Introduction - New member - Workshop advice needed

[clockworkgr]

Hello everyone,

I just joined this community and thought I'd write a few word to introduce myself.

I am a 43yo guitarist, Self-taught...not a really good one but good enough to have had lots of fun jamming/playing gigs/writing etc.

I studied a joint Electrical Engineering/Computing course at University back in the day and then also did an Audio production degree after.

As a guitarist and (occasional sound engineer in the past) I always had a strong interest in the tech side of music (recording, live sound, amps etc.)

My final project in my Audio production degree was a 2-channel custom DIY tube amp loosely based on the soldano slo schematic.

That was my first (and only amp build). PT / OT / Choke and a few other components were salvaged from a damaged Laney Klipp 100 I picked up for 150$ (not a bad deal for Patridge transformers).

As an extremely poor student , I tackled the whole build with a cheap-ass multimeter and run of the mill 30W soldering iron.

In retrospect I must have been crazy to attempt that but my EE degree made me cautious enough to not get electrocuted and surprisingly I succeeded in building it. At least it worked for long enough to demo/test/record samples to get my degree.

Shortly after, a solder joint failed causing one of the power tubes to arc and since I had already completed the project I stored it as it was.

Life happened after that, job, wife , 2 kids etc etc. and 20 years passed in a flash.

I decided recently to pick up building as a hobby (and redoing the amp mentioned above ). Especially as I can now afford a hobby

Hence been doing a lot of catching-up and remembering everything I had learned back then as well as joining this forum,

With that in mind, what are your suggestions for basic/required equipment for working on tube amps?

Thanks and nice to meet everyone,
Alex

[xtian]

Welcome!

I think we have other threads on the subject of useful tools.

Temperature controlled soldering stations are inexpensive these days. I love mine: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod ... ng-Station -- (uses standard body and tips, easy to replace).

An inexpensive DSO is helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Hantek-DSO5102P- ... B08Y6SKTX6

...along with a signal generator: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Gen ... r=8-5&th=1

and resistive load (DIY).

A lightbulb limiter is useful and will save you from costly mistakes.

And finally, for aging eyes, safety glasses with built-in readers: https://www.amazon.com/DPG59-115C-Reinf ... B000646VF8

Cheers!

[clockworkgr]

Welcome!

I think we have other threads on the subject of useful tools.

Temperature controlled soldering stations are inexpensive these days. I love mine: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod ... ng-Station -- (uses standard body and tips, easy to replace).

An inexpensive DSO is helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Hantek-DSO5102P- ... B08Y6SKTX6

...along with a signal generator: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Gen ... r=8-5&th=1

and resistive load (DIY).

A lightbulb limiter is useful and will save you from costly mistakes.

Thanks xtian.

This is very helpful. I would also like to mention I'm EU-based and a quick look around revealed that brand-availability in EU is completely different than the US.

Since I don't wanna pay 2x price in customs fees, if any other members can chip in with EU suggestions that would be great.

And finally, for aging eyes, safety glasses with built-in readers: https://www.amazon.com/DPG59-115C-Reinf ... B000646VF8

Cheers!

I wear prescription glasses permanently (not just reading) so probably have to go for goggles to wear on top... Those are cool though

[pompeiisneaks]

Yeah there are quite a few EU members here.

Welcome and have fun!

~Phil

[Reeltarded]

Welcome to Weirdsville! Many persistant members are from EU or places near it.

lol

[ChopSauce]

Hi Alex,

I'm sorry I can't help but suggest that you look at classified in your area and possibly come back to ask about the items you found there if you can't find some advice locally.

From xtian's suggestions you should be able to eyeball the characteristics needed even if the imported (+50%) price of the recommended items is pretty deceiving.

Welcome to the garage by the way!

[Stephen1966]

Yeah! I'm EU - Czech Republic - and often balk at the import fees for exotic items.

I started out with a cheap multimeter and made my own lightbulb limiter (which I still use). Once the bug bites, you can start thinking about scopes, signal generators, variacs, LCR meters and so on. I think a good soldering station is an investment - you don't have to spend a load of money to get started. Maybe just the best you can afford to start and then buy the more extravagant pieces of kit as you need them. the local second hand goods market can be good, got my first scope, a Tektronix from there. If you google all these things from your location, it will feed you all the local suppliers.

Oh! and headband magnifiers - a godsend for failing eyes

https://opticsmag.com/best-headband-magnifiers/

[M Fowler]

Welcome to the amp building capitol of the world.

Boy are you in trouble wanting to start building your own amps as it is so addictive!

Enjoy and have fun. There is so much information on TAG worth searching and spending late nights reviewing.

Mark

[maxkracht]

Welcome! As others have mentined, Soldering station, lightbulb limiter, multi meter, and some basic hand tools are the essentials.

A good set of flush cutting pliers and wire strippers are also pretty mandatory.

Dental cleaning kit and hemostats are very useful. Desoldering pump/braid. Rosin flux. Alligator clips. 1/2w carbon film resistor kit.

[ampbldr2]

Safety should be first priority
Have protection for your eyes, and one hand rule for probing High Voltage DC (USE MINI GRABBERS) and learn how to discharge high voltage from Caps.
New builds use a light bulb limiter at first start up is a must have tool on your bench.

Here are a few items for the work bench.
Solder Station:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANZRT4M/?c ... _lig_dp_it

Soldapullt:
https://www.amazon.com/EDSYN-The-Origin ... 148&sr=8-2

Mini grabber sets:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002JJU3C/?c ... _lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WU3Q4/?c ... _lig_dp_it

Fiberglass Brushes:
Excelta 267 for example
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007466MZK/?c ... _lig_dp_it

DYI Amp Stand:

[angelodp]

Welcome, this is a treasure trove place, both for information and inspiration.

Don't forget to make a capacitor discharge tool, right away.

A lamp, magnifier set up on the workbench is a great asset.

Enjoy, be safe.

Ange

[Stephen1966]

Welcome, this is a treasure trove place, both for information and inspiration.

Don't forget to make a capacitor discharge tool, right away.

A lamp, magnifier set up on the workbench is a great asset.

Enjoy, be safe.

Ange

capacitor discharge tool - absolutely.

MrD's power boards - but if you work from the majority of layouts here and/or incorporate Martin Manning's designs - your filter caps will involve balance resistors to GND. These do the same job of discharging the caps when you turn off the amp but give it ten minutes to completely discharge the caps before disconnecting it from the mains supply. If in doubt, use your DMM on the power nodes and it's a good idea to check the exposed metal on top of radial caps, as well. These carry charge too. While it's on and under power... you will only touch these with your bare hand once.