what is the best investment you guys have made?

[raulduke]

I think the best investment I made was taking the time to shift a load of crap out of the garage and make a workstation area for my pedal building stuff.

It means I can just pop into the garage for an hour and the missus doesn't get annoyed with all the mess!

[keysandguitars]

mine would be a samsung 310 series laser printer. it makes awesome transfer artwork for etching, and flawless waterslide decals that don't need clearcoat prior to apllication. got it at office max on clearance for $59!!!

I can't find the Samsung 310 online. Does this link look like the same printer, perhaps the newer version? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828112238&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Printer+-+Laser+Printers-_-SAMSUNG-_-28112238

[culturejam]

If I had to pick one thing, it would be the Xytronic soldering station I bought last year. What a well-made piece of equipment.

After that, I'd say that the sort of cheap DMM I bought several years ago is the next best thing. It measures damn near everything.

Then I'd say the following are my favorite/most useful bits of gear:

• Peak Atlas: DCA and LCR. Both are awesome.
• Solder-sucker: the spring loaded kind.
• IC puller
• LED tester

[cjkbug]

mine would be a samsung 310 series laser printer. it makes awesome transfer artwork for etching, and flawless waterslide decals that don't need clearcoat prior to apllication. got it at office max on clearance for $59!!!

I can't find the Samsung 310 online. Does this link look like the same printer, perhaps the newer version? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828112238&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Printer+-+Laser+Printers-_-SAMSUNG-_-28112238

that's it more or less, mines the 315, I believe it's discontinued now that's why I got it for $60

[keysandguitars]

Thanks cjkbug. My laser printer died in my office so I'm thinking I can get the company to buy a new one...maybe I'd kick in a few bucks if needed and pick that one up

culturejam: what LED tester did you buy, where'd you get it? I could use one...unless it's easy/cheaper to build one.

[Mike @ Rawkworks]

A good iron! I was going thru 2 or 3 wally world irons a month, with less than ideal results.
Second is....*ghasp* a multimeter! Had one from the beginning and couldn't imagine life without it.
Next on the list an o-scope/function generator, I think its about that time.

And for Samsung guys (or any laser printers really), just in case you don't, before you print change the setting to "thick paper" if you're using photo stock!

[bigmufffuzzwizz]

And for Samsung guys (or any laser printers really), just in case you don't, before you print change the setting to "thick paper" if you're using photo stock!

I do that with Pnp, maybe that's what I did wrong with the waterslide decals?

[TNblueshawk]

Taking it a different direction and being fairly new to this, my TIME is the best investment and the most precious. By that I mean I've spent the time reading on a particular forum, countless hours, in an effort to learn. I could have taken the easy way out and just posted question after question but I knew my questions have been asked before. Now, that doens't mean I didn't ask some questions I'm still embarrassed about to this day 

If I was to go with something physical, the Hakko I got a few months back I suppose.

[crash]

Does anybody have any suggestions for a decent printer?  Currently I do not have one and don't know squat about them.

[TNblueshawk]

Does anybody have any suggestions for a decent printer?  Currently I do not have one and don't know squat about them.

I can only atest to my inkjet which prints up killer water slide decals etc.. without a hitch. It is an HP Photosmart. Forget the actual model/number though.

[keysandguitars]

TNblueshawk, what kind/brand of clear do you use for your inkjet? If you recall or get the model number that'd be sweet. I have access to a bunch of HP inkjets and am currently debating if I should buy a color laser printer or just use inkjet.

[TNblueshawk]

Hey Key, it is a Photosmart Premium 310 series and it is out of magenta ink right now 

I use these water slides, both clear and white http://www.texascraft.com/hps/home.php?cat=250

They were recommended to me by some others and I am so pleased with them I really have not tried elsewhere. I suppose maybe they could be found cheaper especially if you can avoid shipping and go locally , dunno.

[jprizz]

I just got me one of those "automatic" wire strippers - the kind that pulls the stripped end off as you squeeze. Seriously, get one. Seriously. Now I'm talking like Homestar Runner...
-Josh

[jimmybjj]

I just got me one of those "automatic" wire strippers - the kind that pulls the stripped end off as you squeeze. Seriously, get one. Seriously. Now I'm talking like Homestar Runner...
-Josh

I have one but it doesn't work with teflon wire 

[gtr2]

I just got me one of those "automatic" wire strippers - the kind that pulls the stripped end off as you squeeze. Seriously, get one. Seriously. Now I'm talking like Homestar Runner...
-Josh

Do you have a link or brand?  I have a pair and they mar the wire up to much for my liking.