Difference between revisions of "Recomended tools"

Revision as of 07:19, 25 August 2016

Some frequent questions around Makers Local 256 involve "what tool or tools should I buy", or "what's the best X". While we don't really need to get into "Mac vs PC" debates, or paid brand endorsements, it' still a nice idea to compile the short lists, and a few tl:dr experiences our members may have with "maker-stuff"

Getting Started

So you want to be a maker. You are just starting out in the vast maker movement. It's all about getting your hands dirty, and jumping in on some fun projects. But what basic supplies might every maker need? Let's start with the kid-friendly and inexpensive, but you can of course spend as much as you like on some very dangerous (and fun) things.

Computer / Laptop

Doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive. Just something to surf the web, read data sheets, write code, and/or keep a lab journal.

• Today, I would recommend laptops from Lenovo, Acer, or Dell. In that order. Get one lightly used and install GNU/Linux. Or don't.Crashcart (talk) 23:25, 24 August 2016 (CDT)
• Raspberry Pi is a very "maker" thing, BUT then also could be a second computer for the young makers of the family. (just need a keyboard, mouse, monitor to go with it.) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13826 )
• Arduino of course. one of those 100-in-1 style kits that includes an ardunio is even better. as they can build small projects just out of that kit. ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12060 )
• A multimeter (FLUKE is the gold standard here, but most anything is good enough for home projects) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12966 )
• Soldering iron (doesn't have to be hakko, but again, it's a well respected brand) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11704 )
• Don't forget the solder (get a spool, it'll last a good long while.) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10242 )
• Solder wick or a de-soldering iron (for taking stuff apart!) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9327 )
• Only occasionally found use for solder flux, in a world of flux-core solder (like above) but while also superfluous, a beginner might like some tip cleaner: ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13246 )
• Some kind of self-assembled electronic kit(s). ( https://www.adafruit.com/products/14) ( https://www.adafruit.com/products/73 )
• One of those magnifier / work lights. (https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Daylight-Magnifier-3-Diopter-VS40203B/dp/B00D5WM8EG/)
• Some hand tools. screw drivers, wrenches, sockets and such. harder to build a full list at that granularity. maybe just throw in a gift card to Harbor Freight. lol
  • My own first tools were just in one of those plastic case specials. Should get most jobs done ( https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-94-248-65-Piece-Homeowners-Tool/dp/B000UHMITE/ )
  • iFixit has some great tool kits that will have kids taring apart their parent's phones in no time ( https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Essential-Electronics-Toolkit/IF145-047-1 )
• Leatherman Wave (He can't bring it on planes, but everywhere else, it can be an invaluable tool to have. I've carried one most every day since I was 17) ( https://www.leatherman.com/wave-10.html )
  • failing that exact multi-tool, anything analogous would be recommended. (remember when kids carried pocket knives? guess this might be a hard sell, but I've already put a self-heading pointy stick on the list)

Going Further

• power tools? might get a little ridicules at this point, but even just something like a Dremel, or small drill-press. again, just go for the starter-tools at Harbor Freight.
• some kind of "robotics kit". (I recommend anything Arduino based, for compatibility with the rest of the list. Never "Basic Stamp" stuff. It's dead. Let it die.) ( https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11494 )
• might be taken care of already, but some kind of work table / bench to work at. (I don't have a specific recommendation here. You don't need to go to ikea. Buy some 2x4s and say "GO NUTS KID!" just kidding.)
• 3d printer actually isn't the first thing on my list to recommend, but if you've looked over everything above and still want something extra. go 3d printer.
  • we've talked about recommended printers on this mailing list before. so something like a Wanho Duplicator, or Printrbot, and a spool or two of PLA filament could be had for ~$400-$500

Books

• Getting Started with Electronics by Forest Mims (Forest Mims is a MUST) ( https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Electronics-Forrest-Mims/dp/0945053282/ )
• JunkBots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels (little "BEAM" robots are great projects for kids, but this book also does a great job talking about how to use and care for your tools, what resistors and capacitors do, and even tips on how to source parts from the trash.) ( https://www.amazon.com/JunkBots-Bugbots-Bots-Wheels-Technology/dp/0072226013/ )
• MAKE: Getting Started with Raspberry Pi (how to utilize that fancy RaspberyPI, plus some intro to python and linux) ( https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Raspberry-Pi-Electronic/dp/1457186128/ )
• MAKE: Getting Started with Sensors (shows more of what can be done with the above RaspberyPI and Arduino) ( https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Sensors-Electronics-Raspberry/dp/1449367089/ )
• Python Crash Corse from No Starch Press (fast paced and hands on. The Python language has that great position as a language for beginners and graduate students alike.) ( https://www.amazon.com/Python-Crash-Course-Hands--Project-Based/dp/1593276036/ )
• Dangerous book for Boys by Conn Iggulden (For shear pluck, breadth of knowledge, and projects that aren't just in front of the computer screen.) ( https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Book-Boys-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0062208977/ )