Electronics Soldering Mobile Workshop

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Introduction: Electronics Soldering Mobile Workshop

About: So many things to learn and make, so little time! I like things that are cool, useful, efficient, well crafted.
As occasional electronics enthusiasts, we like to solder kits, or try to repair things.

We do not have a dedicated place for soldering, and are each time chasing after our essential stuff:
  • The soldering iron
  • Small tools, multimeter
  • Parts and supplies
  • A good light
  • An extension cord
The inspiration and solution came with a toolbox including three drawers. (One got sacrificed.)
This post shows how it got turned into a mobile electronics workshop.

Step 1: Needed Stuff

  1. Cheap toolbox with drawers
  2. Mini neon light
  3. Power strip
  4. Extension chord
  5. Small hinges
  6. Aluminum bar
  7. Small bolts+washers+nuts (M3 is okay), or rivets

Step 2: Front Panel

Cut the plastic plate to size, to cover the front side (drawers). Install hinges, using small bolts+washers+nuts (M3 is okay), or rivets.

Bend and tighten an aluminum bar, that will serve as a bracket to maintain the front plate in open position, using the padlock holes.

Step 3: Neon Light

On the inner side of the front plate, install the brackets for the neon light.

When the front plate is folded down, the neon comes at the height of the middle (removed) drawer.

Step 4: Cables Compartment

In the top part, there is some room under the removable tools tray.

We'll use it for the power strip, and to store the extension cord.

The holes will allow the cable to go through the box. Another hole in the floor is for the soldering iron's cord.

Step 5: Parts Compartment

The top drawer is reserved for small parts.

One division is cut out, to allow the soldering iron's cord to pass.

Step 6: Tools Tray

The top removable tray is just used (unmodified) for tools.

Step 7: Bottom Drawer

The bottom drawer is used for the soldering iron.

Step 8: Finished Product

It's done. Enjoy !

Workshop Contest

Finalist in the
Workshop Contest

Build My Lab Contest

Participated in the
Build My Lab Contest

Manly Crafts Contest

Participated in the
Manly Crafts Contest

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    51 Comments

    0
    CMoz
    CMoz

    7 months ago on Step 3

    The light as part of this is genius! Love it so much. Thanks for sharing.

    0
    Changqi Xu
    Changqi Xu

    Question 4 years ago on Step 1

    Dear Sir/Madam,

    We are looking for a mini solder iron, tip size like, 1 mm x 3 mm. Do you have anything like? Or do you know anybody who can make such a solder iron. My email, chqixu at yahoo.com. Welcome any comments and suggestions. Thank you so much.

    Best regards,

    CX

    1
    Ahmedfarag36
    Ahmedfarag36

    6 years ago

    You are awesome man,perfect design but it depends on components' size of course and matching them together.

    2
    el_duderino
    el_duderino

    7 years ago

    Very cool. I wish I could find a suitable toolbox!

    1
    makeosaurus
    makeosaurus

    7 years ago

    Where can I buy the toolbox???

    1
    lorogan
    lorogan

    8 years ago

    Where can I get the Tool box? Seems like a good one for my 2nd version

    1
    jhawkins14
    jhawkins14

    8 years ago

    This is exactly what i was looking for. I totally need something like this.

    0
    lorogan
    lorogan

    8 years ago

    K. Just got the reply email in USA, its 6:53 AM. Gettin ready for mid-term exams... I'll take pics later

    0
    lorogan
    lorogan

    8 years ago

    Made it. Sawed out a side, attached a hinge to it. Opens n closes easily.

    0
    laxap
    laxap

    Reply 8 years ago

    Great! Please post a photo to get a patch :-)

    0
    lorogan
    lorogan

    8 years ago

    This. Is. Genius.


    Thank you very much for this... Where did you get the toolbox? And how much did this all cost?

    0
    judemo1964
    judemo1964

    8 years ago on Introduction

    Genial amigo, me resuelve un dolor de cabeza.

    graciassssssssssssss

    1
    mtosmond
    mtosmond

    9 years ago

    Awesome project. It's a good idea, and your build quality is excellent. It looks clean and sturdy. Thanks for sharing!

    0
    wkearney99
    wkearney99

    9 years ago on Introduction

    Clever idea, but I'd never, ever use a plastic toolbox for this. The heat coming up from a decent soldering iron would likely deform the plastic drawer you have shown in that picture. If not right away, eventually. Plastic burns rather toxic too. Use a metal box and you're a lot safer.

    That and make sure you've got enough clearance to properly stow the cables. You don't want to have to cram them in there too tightly and have them get frayed, again to avoid the fire or electrocution risks.

    I second the recommendation to allow for a magifying glass and clips setup.

    A long time ago I discovered it's VERY convenient having a separate toolbox for some tasks. While it's likely better, long term, to put your tools away, for short term work it's great having different toolboxes for different tasks. I've had an electronics one for ages with everything but the soldering iron in it. Same thing with one for plumbing.

    1
    laxap
    laxap

    Reply 9 years ago on Introduction

    Thanks for the remark. The plastic question was indeed in the back of my mind.

    In practice, the plastic did not turn out to be an issue. Provided not in a closed space, the heat dissipates quite well, and, for the proof you can approach your hand from the tip by a few inches and barely sense the heat.

    After usage, just let it cool down as you do usually on its holder.