Microwave Oven and Computer - Good as New

 "Whenever anyone criticizes or wrongs you, remember that they are only doing or saying what they think is true.  They cannot be guided by your views, only their own so if their views are wrong, they are the ones who suffer insofar as they are misguided." - Epictetus

 

Soldering goodies

Until very recently, I've only had the most basic soldering tools for electronics - stuff that a very low-income high school kid in the 1970's could afford.  A Weller soldering gun, Radio Shack soldering iron, solder, flux and a single heat sink.

I had a few bits of wire from various places.  Mostly speaker wire.  I've wired more automotive circuits back in the day with speaker wire than I'd like to admit. 

Since I've re-kindled an interest in hobby electronics (rather than soldering to keep a car or bike running), and I have more disposable income, life has improved somewhat.  Below, a soldering tip cleaner that uses brass shavings to remove burned up flux and oxidized solder.  A can of paste flux, a good set of wire cutters/strippers, and a bag of spare brass shavings.

They are like little shiny brass springs... cool!

Also this guy, a thermostatically controlled soldering station, with a solder reflow air nozzle for surface mount devices (SMDs)