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More New Toys!


I also have some more new toys. I was frustrated with my old El Cheapo soldering iron. The tip was too large, the temperature was not regulated and the tip would just disintergrate through normal use. So I bought a nice 60W American Hakko soldering station.

My American Hakko 936 60W Soldering Iron
What a world of difference. When buying a soldering iron look for ones with ceramic heaters and that have interchangable tips that have the heater inserted. The difference between spending $30 bucks on a soldering iron to one for $70 (Like this one was, on sale) is well worth the price jump.  If you are even thinking of building electronics, do not both with the cheap ones.  Its just not worth it, buy something like this life saver of a soldering station!

Makita Li-Ion Drill / Driver
 Another tool that I purchased is a lifesaver as well but it is not a necessity like the soldering station.  I purchased a Makita 18V Li-Ion drill.  It was my birthday in December when I purchased this.  That was my justification.  I also hated the lack of controllability of my old corder DeWalt drill.  It worked fine but it was a very agressive drill.  I am very happy with my new one.  The batteries recharge in no time and I get full power until the very end of them.  I thought the little light that lit up while drilling / driving was silly but it's quite nice when working in tight spots and your shadow is in the way of the light.  It was on sale for $200.  Was it worth that much, not quite but everything else was so over priced this was the best deal.  I do not reget buying it at all.
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