# The Spark Gap - Episode 13

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-09-02
- Length: 43m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-13

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss setting up a beginner's workbench for embedded electronics, emphasizing the importance of proper lighting, non-conductive tables, and anti-static mats. They review soldering iron options, recommending the Hakko FX888D over cheap pencils or low-quality clones, and explain the critical role of heat capacity in soldering. The conversation covers essential consumables like 60/40 solder, flux, and fume extractors, while advising against flux-core solder for quality results. Finally, they highlight necessary tools such as various tips, desoldering braid, Panavices, microscopes, and high-quality tweezers for surface mount work.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=0) Introduction: Setting up a beginner's workbench
- [1:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=65) Workbench setup: Tables, mats, and lighting
- [6:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=376) Soldering iron selection: Hakko, Metcal, and cheap alternatives
- [15:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=928) Solder types, flux, and fume extraction
- [29:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=1749) Tip maintenance, desoldering tools, and helper devices
- [34:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=2088) Panavices, microscopes, and tweezers for SMT
- [41:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13#t=2517) Conclusion: Community lab bench photos

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Tenma (other)
- RadioShack (other)
- Sears (company)
- AoYue (other)
- Hakko (other)
- Metcal (other)
- Weller (other)
- Panavice (other)
- AM Scope (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [PCBs, Tektronix & Ham Radio - Habitual Handicraft Hangups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-05-01-pcbs-tektronix-ham-radio-habitual-handicraft-hangups) (The Amp Hour)
- [Shifting Away From DIY - Pedetentious PnP Progress](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-05-28-shifting-away-from-diy-pedetentious-pnp-progress) (The Amp Hour)
- [Prepping For Hoverboards - Gallionic GitHub Gabble](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-12-31-prepping-for-hoverboards-gallionic-github-gabble) (The Amp Hour)
- [Contextual Electronics, ClubJameco and Solderpaste - Lifelong Learning Likelihood](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-06-05-contextual-electronics-clubjameco-and-solderpaste-lifelong-learning-likelihood) (The Amp Hour)
- [EE Movies, Part Rants and SPICE.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-11-16-ee-movies-part-rants-and-spice) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-09-02-the-spark-gap-episode-13. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Spark Gap.