Just wondering how you lot are categorising/storing your parts?
Strewn chaotically around the build room. Some things are in boxes, some are in bags in boxes, some are on the sofa, some are on the floor.
Ha! Exactly my feels.
I'm trying to figure out how to get a system that is easily accessible but also easily reconfigurable, and by that I mean if I get a 422k resistor, I want it to be easy to shuffle space around if I need to make room for a random value.
Also wondering if some sort of inventory system would be worthwhile or just cumbersome.
For the moment, I have all the resistors and capacitors contained in ascending order in two arch files with basketball card inserts, so there's a pocket and a little plastic bag for each value and that seems to be working reasonably well but parts like LEDs, transistors, diodes, and pots are just all over the place in a fabulously frustrating explosion of hardware.
I bought cheap "glad-lock"-style plastic bins meant for leftovers from the grocery and used a label maker for "resistors" "capacitors" "electrolytics", etc. They stack well, are easy to expand to new categories, and there's a size thats about perfect for filing Mouser-size bags to keep things in order. System cost about $5.00.
I keep my resistors organised in powers, e.g. 1R, 10R, 100R, 1k, 10k, 100k, 1M all grouped together. I have a separate drawer for less common values (11k, 33.2k, 16k, for example)
I then have three larger drawers for capacitors (electrolytics, polybox, ceramic), with values kept in individual bags, although I think I'll soon split this in to two draws, one for 16V rated, and another for higher voltages.
I also have separate drawers for ICs, switches, pots, trimmers, knobs, diodes, TO-92 (with components in labeled bags) and sockets.
Then I have "project" drawers, which contain all the bits I need for an in-progress project.
(http://i.imgur.com/mDIZKN8.jpg)
I have a large zip loc back for resistors, one for capacitors, and one for general hardware such as pots. ICs and diodes get a small bag, sometimes. Whenever I do a build, all the resistors (or capacitors) get tipped out on the table and I sort as I go. Usually the resistors have a paper tag with the value on them, otherwise I check the values with an app on my phone. Because the light gives me grief I use the LED light on my phone to discern greys from yellows etc.
Because I'm between locations, I do all my soldering, sorting, and populating, standing up at the kitchen bench.
I've seen some guys come up with some pretty cool ways to organize things, including separate parts drawers for every little thing and maintaining spreadsheets for inventory. It's an appealing thought, but I know myself, and even if I managed to get everything perfectly organized, I'd NEVER keep things in that state for long. So here's what I do.
I have some big tubs with lids that stack, and there are separate ones for resistors, film caps, electrolytic caps, ceramic type caps, diodes/leds, and hardware/knobs. Oh yeah, pots too.
I'll use resistors as an example here, but I do a similar sort of thing with all the other types of parts too. Within the resistor tub, I segregate 5 big plastic bags by value. Each particular value of resistor is still in its little baggie it came in from mouser or wherever, and I write the value in a colored fine tip marker on the labels so I don't have to read the small and faded print constantly. Everything <1k, 1k-10k gets shoved into one big bag, then 11k-99k, 100k- <1M, and finally 1M and larger. That way I avoid the hassle of keeping everything perfectly organized at all times, which is good for me, but I still know where to reach for something. As I work, I try to notice when a particular value is getting low and I jot it down and it goes in a running mouser cart.
It isn't the ideal system, I know, but it gets me by and works for me.
Quote from: Tdub on January 24, 2016, 10:12:40 AM
Ha! Exactly my feels.
I'm trying to figure out how to get a system that is easily accessible but also easily reconfigurable, and by that I mean if I get a 422k resistor, I want it to be easy to shuffle space around if I need to make room for a random value.
Also wondering if some sort of inventory system would be worthwhile or just cumbersome.
For the moment, I have all the resistors and capacitors contained in ascending order in two arch files with basketball card inserts, so there's a pocket and a little plastic bag for each value and that seems to be working reasonably well but parts like LEDs, transistors, diodes, and pots are just all over the place in a fabulously frustrating explosion of hardware.
All mine are grouped together in separate bags and smaller bags within to contain the different values. My inventory system is when I run out or need a Value I don't t have, I order more. I usually have several builds at once going, so I never run out of things to build.
Since the mouser stuff comes labeled and individually bagged, I keep them sorted by type and in ascending order by value, or with ICs, alphabetically. The mouser box also makes a perfect container. Everything else goes in a $15 harbor freight 40 drawer thing
I bought a few of those 64-bin organizers on Amazon. I use one for common caps, one for common resistor values, one for everything else like switches, toggles, jacks.
Then I use six half-sized hard plastic bins from Costco for other stuff.
I cleared out 3 draws on my rolling toolbox just for the tools and wire I use for electronics.
For things the size of 1/4w resistors and the like i use a couple cut down cardboard Ikea magazine organizers in conjunction with 3x5" labeled ziplock bags. One tray(?) will hold thousands of resistors.
Bigger stuff into the small drawer units shown earlier or divided/lidded plastic organizers of various sizes.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_3335.jpg)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_3336.jpg)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_3337.jpg)
dave
Ok opening ourselves up here, but this is Cleggy's front room where I go to build things. The decor is completely old school. But Cleggy (like myself) is from Yorkshire, so if it isn't broke, it doesn't get fixed. He has strangely decorated quite a lot of the rest of the house, this room however, is quite a long way down the list ;)
This was a VERY tidy day (as Phil was coming over). But you can already see things starting to appear on the (very pink) sofa and floor.
Anyhow... enjoy! (https://philgreenwoodphotography.wordpress.com/2013/09/)
What I will also add is that I'm actually quite OCD and tidy. Cleggy I'm sure exploits this when I come around as the room was such a tip after the winter break he sat and watched me tidy it up for about an hour supping a cup of tea... There comes a point when I have to do something ;)
I have a few shoe boxes and a small organizer with various things, but for the most part I order in small quantities. Last fathers day the kids gave me a couple of little organizers, generally before I start a project I stock one up with just the parts for that project usually straight from the shipment when I'm checking it in. I work in our detached garage that doesn't have heat/ac so I don't like to leave everything out there. Doing it this way makes it easy for me to grab the project and take everything out without needing to make a trip into the house every few minutes to grab something.
I will try to come back later w pics. I have a few drawer organizers right on top of my build desk. I tried to do bigger tubs/etc, but those require you put everything back in and away when done...I would NEVER do that (promptly), so I have been trying to make it where everything is right at my fingertips, with only a few things to take out (pliers, cutters, solder etc) then put back away....when I get some more drawers and space cleared out, I will separate some more pots and bits, but for now I have separated: resistors (most of the common ones anyway), box caps, diodes, elec caps and knobs.
It's a little OCD-ish, but if I leave myself a big mess to clean up, that will delay the next build for sure. I'm not even ashamed to reveal I made myself a spacer so the labels on the drawers are even....ok, maybe a little.
resistors:
I used to use plastic bags but I like the way these envelopes hold up better
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l73/justpeak/1453668437977%201_zps4j3kvujz.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/justpeak/media/1453668437977%201_zps4j3kvujz.jpg.html)
builds that need boxing:
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l73/justpeak/1453668623870_zpsxsxi16sz.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/justpeak/media/1453668623870_zpsxsxi16sz.jpg.html)
Everything
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l73/justpeak/1399595945261_zpsamsddnck.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/justpeak/media/1399595945261_zpsamsddnck.jpg.html)
very cool thread, I always like to see how others work and think, great inspiration
here is my stuff ..I have come a long way since last december, one year and a month ..no hammer or 1000 volt caps lol ( joke from the DIY forums when I posted my work bench about 10 months ago ;D ) I wish I still had a picture of my buffer with oversized caps which my very first circuit lol it had the 600 volt orange drops!
(http://s9.postimg.org/dysywd3an/Full_Size_Render_3.jpg)
I have a corner in the basement. I use an old desk from way back when. Up until a couple weeks ago ( it's been 4 yrs now) did I buy a drawer organization type thing from menards. I filled it up in about two hours of sorting. I found stuff I didn't know I had! Prior it was all in boxes/baggies all over. I got sick of knowing I had something but not being able to find it.
(http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w485/daddydaughterpedalworks/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqa2t2ssk.jpeg) (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/daddydaughterpedalworks/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqa2t2ssk.jpeg.html)
Here's my setup. Each small drawer has a divider in it so there are two values per drawer. Bigger parts and "WIP" boards in the large drawers.
It's a bit of a pain in the ass sorting and putting away parts when orders come in but its worth it to have everything well organized.
My setup is very much like the above, but with a lot more sh*t strewn around the place ;D
Bought a load of these for SMD storage:
(https://www.adafruit.com/images/1200x900/432-00.jpg)
I would also highly recommend the Raaco range (and clones) if space is at a premium:
(http://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/Product/S14-0758P01WL.jpg)
(http://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/Product/S14-0717P01WL.jpg)
how am I storing/organizing? very poorly. I expect that to change before I get back to building on the regular. I've been letting things slip for 6+ months now and it shows.
Quote from: Haberdasher on January 24, 2016, 02:52:50 PM
I've seen some guys come up with some pretty cool ways to organize things, including separate parts drawers for every little thing and maintaining spreadsheets for inventory. It's an appealing thought, but I know myself, and even if I managed to get everything perfectly organized, I'd NEVER keep things in that state for long.
I'm one of those spreadsheet guys. It usually works, if I'm not too lazy to actually remove the parts I took from my storage. Also, it took me 1.5h on Sunday just to sort through all the resistors and to recount them to get the sheet updated.
I keep everything with a specific value (i.e. not a jack or a bezel) in a spreadsheet. I came up with a crude way to enter each BOM, delete from the master number, and add in restock without messing it up. It's also good for identifying what I use most, and therefore buy in bulk for the price break.
Quote from: jtaormina on January 25, 2016, 01:45:21 AM
I have a corner in the basement. I use an old desk from way back when. Up until a couple weeks ago ( it's been 4 yrs now) did I buy a drawer organization type thing from menards. I filled it up in about two hours of sorting. I found stuff I didn't know I had! Prior it was all in boxes/baggies all over. I got sick of knowing I had something but not being able to find it.
Hey , Johnny!
I do not build enough pedals to keep inventory lol. this is purely my hobby for love of music, keeping busy, never ending search for the perfect tone and it gives me something to feel good about ! I am also in my 2nd semester out at the college as an electrical engineering tech student with an overall general interest in the sciences particularly physics.
Only thing I am missing here, and which i want to complete my lab , is an O scope and a function generator. Hopefully soon, I will build my own function generator good enough for small hobbyist and diy projects.
where the magic happens ;D
(http://s15.postimg.org/40ry7bcx7/Full_Size_Render_8.jpg)
Quote from: lightsoundgeometry on January 26, 2016, 12:08:25 AM
I do not build enough pedals to keep inventory lol. this is purely my hobby for love of music, keeping busy, never ending search for the perfect tone and it gives me something to feel good about ! I am also in my 2nd semester out at the college as an electrical engineering tech student with an overall general interest in the sciences particularly physics.
Only thing I am missing here, and which i want to complete my lab , is an O scope and a function generator. Hopefully soon, I will build my own function generator good enough for small hobbyist and diy projects.
where the magic happens ;D
(http://s15.postimg.org/40ry7bcx7/Full_Size_Render_8.jpg)
Hey hey! My eBay buddy! Welcome man! Nice work bench. I'll have to post a picture of my work area, it's kind of a mess. But I do have my first set of drawers for parts! Yeah!
Mine's a slightly different take on the envelope theme. I find that it keeps everything compact, but within reach and easy to find.
First off I store my tools and various sundries in a tacklebox. I pretty much just keep pots labeled by value in ziplock bags in the main compartment, along with wire, etc. I keep sockets and smaller generic parts in the two little trays.
Sorry for the upside down pic, no matter what I do Postimg will not display it correctly.
(http://s5.postimg.org/pr5nkzxzr/IMG_2406.jpg)
I use small 2.5x3 inch clear bags. These: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZYAIA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
and 9 pocket/page baseball card holders. This: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPURVRE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
I label everything with a sharpie and it makes it super easy to store a bunch of stuff in a single three ring binder. I have a section for resistors, in order of course, caps, trannies, leds, diodes, etc.
(http://s5.postimg.org/va8727v13/IMG_2407.jpg)
(http://s5.postimg.org/le742kp93/IMG_2408.jpg)
For trannies and anything sensitive to static, I just trim down the little static bags from Smallbear or Mouser and slide those into the baggie as well.
This system works really well for me and helps me keep my stock in order. Speaking of keeping stock, attached is a spreadsheet I use for keeping up with ordering for projects. I have a list of all the parts going down the left, usually with source and part name (although may be dated now), then I put a column for the project and fill in the needed parts. The column on the far right calculates what I need based on my current inventory. Admittedly you have to update that column's formula if you insert a bunch of project columns, but it's not too bad.
Hope someone can find some use out of it!
Just using the small parts cabinets. Resitors and caps are stored in decade values. IC's I just keep in a few trays because I actually just don't have that many, same with transistors. I use some small and medium stackable bins to hold cable connectors, 1/4", XLR, MIDI etc. Underneath the bench is my Ryobi drill press and Workhorse shop vac for cleanup. My only real problems are what to do with various test leads and all the components I use on the breadboard. Those components I just keep in a cereal bowl for easy reach but it's not the best.
(http://i.imgur.com/cQS7OT2.jpg)
I'm not posting pics of mine -- too messy.
Plus it gets annoying, looking for stuff.
Still need to post pics ---- I do like everyone sharing pictures so we can all see what ideas we may like to steal and/or what we've considered in the past and after seeing them, maybe wanna avoid.
I keep a fairly basic spreadsheet: capacitors on one tab, pots on one tab and transistors/diodes/ICs/misc bits (3PDT, DC jacks, 1/4" jacks, etc) on another tab. I (do my best to) keep it updated --- I double-check it before I begin a project to ensure accuracy in case I need to make an order, then when finished, I just take the BOM and subtract manually on the spreadsheet ---I could greatly improve this, but the biggest issue is just making sure I do my part to keep it updated on a regular basis.
I need about twice as much space/storage that I actually have but I've accepted that this is all I'm gonna get!
Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on January 26, 2016, 02:48:11 AM
I use small 2.5x3 inch clear bags. These: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZYAIA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
and 9 pocket/page baseball card holders. This: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPURVRE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
I label everything with a sharpie and it makes it super easy to store a bunch of stuff in a single three ring binder. I have a section for resistors, in order of course, caps, trannies, leds, diodes, etc.
(http://s5.postimg.org/va8727v13/IMG_2407.jpg)
(http://s5.postimg.org/le742kp93/IMG_2408.jpg)
For trannies and anything sensitive to static, I just trim down the little static bags from Smallbear or Mouser and slide those into the baggie as well.
This system works really well for me and helps me keep my stock in order. Speaking of keeping stock, attached is a spreadsheet I use for keeping up with ordering for projects. I have a list of all the parts going down the left, usually with source and part name (although may be dated now), then I put a column for the project and fill in the needed parts. The column on the far right calculates what I need based on my current inventory. Admittedly you have to update that column's formula if you insert a bunch of project columns, but it's not too bad.
Hope someone can find some use out of it!
I use the ringbinder/pocket system myself and I think it's amazing. It's super compact and easily navigable. I have a folder for caps and resistors, but I'm storing everything else in compartments.
I think we're on the same wavelength, thanks for the spreadsheet!
Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on January 26, 2016, 02:48:11 AM
I use small 2.5x3 inch clear bags. These: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZYAIA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
and 9 pocket/page baseball card holders. This: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPURVRE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
I label everything with a sharpie and it makes it super easy to store a bunch of stuff in a single three ring binder. I have a section for resistors, in order of course, caps, trannies, leds, diodes, etc.
(http://s5.postimg.org/va8727v13/IMG_2407.jpg)
(http://s5.postimg.org/le742kp93/IMG_2408.jpg)
For trannies and anything sensitive to static, I just trim down the little static bags from Smallbear or Mouser and slide those into the baggie as well.
This system works really well for me and helps me keep my stock in order. Speaking of keeping stock, attached is a spreadsheet I use for keeping up with ordering for projects. I have a list of all the parts going down the left, usually with source and part name (although may be dated now), then I put a column for the project and fill in the needed parts. The column on the far right calculates what I need based on my current inventory. Admittedly you have to update that column's formula if you insert a bunch of project columns, but it's not too bad.
Hope someone can find some use out of it!
I really like that binder idea, I might have to steal it
Quote from: dan.schumaker on January 27, 2016, 08:06:18 PM
I really like that binder idea, I might have to steal it
Steal away! I stole the idea myself from somewhere on the interwebz.
I use part drawer bins and plastic organizers (seen on top of the drawer bins in the picture) that I get from Harbor Freight.
Here is my messy cave.
(http://music.codydeschenes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Bench-2015.jpg)
Quote from: selfdestroyer on January 27, 2016, 09:48:13 PM
Do you bake powder coat jobs in that oven indoors? I've seen people do it but I put mine on a portable table outside the garage.
Cody your bench is beautiful. And so clean. I'm jealous.
Damn, I'm totally putting a box around my drill press when I get home tonight.
Quote from: EBRAddict on January 27, 2016, 09:59:01 PM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on January 27, 2016, 09:48:13 PM
Do you bake powder coat jobs in that oven indoors? I've seen people do it but I put mine on a portable table outside the garage.
Looks to be the garage and close to the open door and... so neat, organized and spacious!
Nice space!
dave
My wife would never let me get away with spending all my time in the garage. It's funny, but we share the same desk in the evening. I work on pedals and she works on whatever she's working on. Let's just say she's gotten used to the solder fumes.
It's that sweet pine smell. Smells like... victory!
Quote from: EBRAddict on January 27, 2016, 09:59:01 PM
Quote from: selfdestroyer on January 27, 2016, 09:48:13 PM
Do you bake powder coat jobs in that oven indoors? I've seen people do it but I put mine on a portable table outside the garage.
No powder coating for me... yet.. I use the oven in 15 min. burst to help dry paint. The oven and paint booth/box is the closest thing to the garage door. I crack the door and use a fan to blow out to the outside. Has worked pretty well for me. I also NEVER leave the oven on when I am not in the garage.
Quote from: playpunk on January 27, 2016, 10:09:31 PM
Cody your bench is beautiful. And so clean. I'm jealous.
Haha, thanks man. It was clean that day.... not most days.
Quote from: davent on January 27, 2016, 10:37:57 PM
Looks to be the garage and close to the open door and... so neat, organized and spacious!
Nice space!
dave
Thanks for the kind words and you are correct about the garage layout. Has served me well a few years. During the summer time here in the California valley, my wife lets me bring in most of my tools and part bins to the living room table. I think the real motivation is that she does not want to have to deal with my lifeless body in the garage from when I keel over and die from the heat. We never eat at the table and its always in some sort of craft disarray.
Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on January 28, 2016, 12:33:50 AM
My wife would never let me get away with spending all my time in the garage. It's funny, but we share the same desk in the evening. I work on pedals and she works on whatever she's working on. Let's just say she's gotten used to the solder fumes.
My wife works on a lot of crafts also. So there is times when were both in the garage and working on varrious projects. I am truly blessed!
Cody
That's a lovely setup Cody.
If you think that's messy you should see my current arrangement!
I'll have a tidy up 1st before posting any photos thought ;)