What is this tool that Dave is using? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: briangordon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 30, 2018, 01:51:12 am
content: Hi,I was watching an old EEVblog and Dave uses what looks like some magnetic handles to hold the PCB steady while he solders. I have a similar thing but with little clips on the end of bendy magnetic arms and they work OK, but not great. I'd love to pick up a set of whatever he's using. Does anyone have a name or a link for whatever it is?Screenshot attached.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2018, 02:38:54 am
content: Hakko also makes this thinghttps://www.amazon.com/Hakko-C1390C-Omnivise-PCB-Holder/dp/B00IX2H050/It is quite expensive. I've heard good things about it, but I don't have one.

author: briangordon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 30, 2018, 04:05:35 am
content: Thanks! I just ordered some. Hopefully they get here from Sweden quickly!

author: IDEngineer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2018, 05:29:05 pm
content: Here's the one I have:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-PCB-Holder-Printed-Circuit-Board-Soldering-Assembly-Holder-Clamp-Tool/173338492817<$16 delivered. This is just the first eBay auction that came up, there are plenty more for the same item. Fancy? No. Does the job at a remarkable price? Definitely.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2018, 01:31:22 am
content: I hadn't seen or payed attention to those before. I like the hakko omnivise, granted too expensive but not hard to make with a metal late, big chunk of steal (round stock, ø50mm to ø60mm) put a hole on the middle and tap. Screw and biiiig washer and that's pretty much it. The washer could be made from the same round stock in a first lathe operation.I have to go to may turner tomorow to pick up a parts I asked for last week and I'm definitely asking him.JS

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 31, 2018, 10:12:40 am
content: Quote from: IDEngineer on May 30, 2018, 05:29:05 pmsecond this one, although has some limitations in size and shape, but good enough for most uses. Surprisingly, I found it locally for a lower price than those on ebay rebranded under Velleman for around 10eur.I've seen some copies of the pcbbite on alibay sites. I'll probably get something like that in the future. Also those bendable (usually 3D printed) arms (6-8 on a stand) seem useful to have...

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2018, 10:47:03 pm
content: Hi, today I pick this up, picture might be upside down, I don't know what is wrong with this...About $20 for the 4 of them, I have to add some rubber washers to hold the parts softly and they are good to go. I might ask to extend the thread all the way in case I want to hold them on some stand or screw something to get a higher hold...JS

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:01:05 pm
content: Quote from: JS on July 02, 2018, 10:47:03 pmThat's a fine and simple idea.I'm gunna spin some up with my lathe next rainy day.....but with some little mods like recessed screws so you can flip them over.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:17:02 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on July 03, 2018, 12:01:05 pmMost boards are 1.6mm thick. I wonder how it would work if you turned a 1.3mm step that the board sat into. The top had might sit more squarely and clamp the PCB more evenly.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:40:53 pm
content: I plan to make a screw with the spare washer, soldering a headless screw, I'd also like to flip them over. Recessed screws isn't that easy to work with, this is just with your fingers.The step would be nice for pcbs, but I plan to add a thick piece of rubber so I can hold round connectors and such without the need of compensating on the other side and to be kinder to the piece.If I had a turn my self I'd try different features, captive washers so you don't need to hold them up to insert the piece and doesn't tilt that much. Maybe a Key pin next to the screw so the washer doesn't spin. I'd also like to try a sqare one, I couldn't find sqare stock locally.Turner time is quite rare here, the guy works for our factory, I wanted a simple piece that he could turn without much trouble as he would take the job even if it didn't worth for him.JS

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 03:30:20 am
content: Updates here, I got this silicon mat today, high temp kitchen stuff so heat from soldering doesn't trash it, great grip too! I also made a wooden bed (with the same mat for grip) where I can lie the vise and turn it around, this is looking quite useful to me!Already a few friends asking for them, so maybe I have to run a second batch...JSPS: sorry for the huge picts...