Tools I recommend
If you’re just getting into the hobby, here are some tools and accessories I recommend after a bunch of trial and error. Resist the temptation to start with cheap tools… I did (and I bet you will too, let’s be honest 🙂) and regret the frustration and time wasted on low-quality tools and materials that made it harder and less enjoyable to learn.
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Soldering
- Soldering iron
Pinecil
Pair it with a solid 20 V power supply.
Buy on Amazon - Solder
Kester 63/37 solder
Pricey, but worth it. Cheaper solder is so frustrating to use, and makes you think you’re bad at soldering.
Buy on Amazon - Board holder
Hakko Omnivise
Expensive, but profoundly simple and a delight to use.
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3D printing and hand tools
- 3D printer
Bambu Lab P1S
Get the best printer you can afford. The P1S is an amazing entry-level printer that will take you from novice to expert, with tons of headroom to grow. You won’t regret it or feel like you’ve quickly outgrown it. If you expect to print super-large items, lots of multicolor, or laser, get an H-series.
Buy on Amazon - Precision bits
iFixit Mako
Seems like overkill, but it’s so nice always having the right screwdriver.
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