Recommendations for tool/parts storage in the home workshop
Too_Many_Tools
Posts: 765
I am looking for a discussion including EXAMPLES of tool/parts storage in the home workshop.
What works...what doesn't.
Parts wise...both mechanical and electronic.
Tool wise...test equipment, hand tools, metalworking tools.
I would expect that the workbench layout one uses is an extention of that storage methodology to insure efficient work.
An example...with the advent of SMD parts one needs unique storage and the capability to work with them including testing.
Thanks for any info.
What works...what doesn't.
Parts wise...both mechanical and electronic.
Tool wise...test equipment, hand tools, metalworking tools.
I would expect that the workbench layout one uses is an extention of that storage methodology to insure efficient work.
An example...with the advent of SMD parts one needs unique storage and the capability to work with them including testing.
Thanks for any info.
Comments
I could lern you a-plenty about what doesn't work, but that's not advancing our case in any way.
For SMD parts, I obtained some miniature flip-top plastic boxes from a local bead store. (I live in a tourist town.) They just fit in a standard parts drawer which, in turn, fits in a parts cabinet. Each little box is identified with a Dymo printed label, and the drawer, likewise, is identified with the SMD size and range of values it includes. I got a pill-counting tray from the local pharmacy for dumping the SMD parts onto from the cut tape. It has a spout at one corner for funneling the parts into the little box. For dispensing individual parts, I reach into the little boxes with non-magnetic tweezers.
-Phil
Hey TMT: I'll answer part of the question. For storing projects, boards, wires, motors, quadcopter parts, zip ties, robots, and parts larger than components I use the Wal-Mart Sterilite boxes. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they stack nicely regardless of the box size. For fifty bucks you can create a really effective storage system for larger things.
Some aesthetics really bother me, specifically color. Up until a year ago, the Wal-Mart Sterilite boxes had blue handles. I bought them every time I went to Wal-Mart. Now they've moved to a vomit-green color that just doesn't feel right to me. Maybe I got burned out on green from PCB colors - and that's why most Parallax boards are blue - or maybe it reminds me of a Ford Pinto. Today you're stuck with green if you use Sterilite boxes. Hopefully this green is your favorite color.
There's another approach - using the plastic fishing tackle see-through plastic boxes made by Plano, Flambeau, and others. The problems with these boxes are that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so they'll never stack efficiently. The Sterilte boxes do, however.
One more tip. Jameco sells resistors and capacitors in slide-out trays. Spend $100 and you'll have a lifetime supply of fully-sorted and labelled Rs and Cs.
FWIW...Over a hundred views and yet only 4 responses...come on folks...a forum like this only works when people contribute info. Based on the views/response ratio so far one could easily imagine the majority of viewers keeping their electronic parts in a couple of garbage bags...black ones of course for ESD protection ;<)
Excellent advice for us all, and you're a forum member as well. Perhaps instead of asking endlessly for broad, general recommendations, you can contribute some polite and useful info as well.
FWIW...in the past I have used a number of adhoc approaches...IC tubes, miscellaneous boxes/drawers...and yes even garbage bags...one must work with what is available when you come across a horde of free surplus ICs ripe for the taking ;<)
I was hoping for a more civilized and organized approach this time....therefore my original question as to what works and does not work for others.
You touch on an important point...what about all the different sizes of items that relate to electronic building.
I think the Sterlite approach makes lots of sense..different sizes, STACKABILITY, and translecent sides so one can see what's (or make a guess) inside.
I have always found the storage used by the Mythbusters to be of interest...if one studies the shots of the inside of the warehouse where they film you will see some very good planning/implementation of well thought out storage for an almost infinite number of different items.
I think you will find this to be a very collegial and helpful forum -- if you let it and give it time. Carping about those who do not contribute an answer to your inquiry in what you consider to be a timely manner is probably not the most effective way to elicit the help that you seek. In fact it will probably be counter-productive. I would urge you to get in sync with the forum's natural rhythm and roll with whatever people choose to contribute. If you can do this, I know that you will find your fellow forumistas to be a welcoming and inclusive group.
-Phil
I agree but....
My original post was a request for info on a topic that is of interest to all...note how the very first response was off topic...adding nothing to the content but advancing their post count. His subseqent response was again off topic...again the topic is on electronic storage solutions...not an attack of my style of asking questions. Note this is not the first incidence of this behavior...which is being allowed on this board...which discourages others from contributing. I have many years of electronic experience to draw from and know this type of passive aggressive behavior for what it is...while beginners asking questions would be discouraged and would quit asking at all.
Meanwhile others including yourself have posted have contributed meaningful content...which I and others are appreciative of....electronic part storage is an universal challenge for hobbyists and professionals alike.
My observation of over a hundred views versus four responses (of which one was not on topic so we really only have 3 good responses) is also right on...and was a good natured ...not carping...attempt to inspire others to contribute their solutions. Having a 3% response rate to a subject that affects every member of the forum is not a good response rate..so one needs to inspire others to contribute.
We differ in opinion as to whether this is a collegial forum..my brief time on this forum has shown it to be otherwise at times. WhiIe I am no stranger to public forums or trolls. I was warned by coworkers that they too have found it lacking by the snide responses by some forum regulars to new members. I do know that the current state of the forum and the negative behavior that is tolerated from some posters contributed to my recent final recommendations to not use Parallax as a source for several of our educational efforts. Employees attempting to further their electronic knowledge on their own time need and expect timely info, not smart alec comments, when they ask questions.
Now back to the subject at hand...Phil...do you find the ChipSafe approach you mentioned (thanks for contributing) a good one for storing MANY ICs? Like thousands of ICs?
Also I really like the pill counting tray usage for SMDs...great idea...are the trays ESD safe?
Your comments about beads got me looking at bead storage approaches..which I think has some merit for electronics parts storage.
http://www.google.com/search?q=bead+storage&safe=off&hl=en&gbv=2&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&ei=qa7kUdCvItLd4AO8rIDgCA&start=40&sa=N
Seriously moderators, I think it's time to tell this guy to start playing nice. Everyone is being diplomatic and he's still being obnoxious!
I second the motion!
Probably not. But they don't have to be for the passives that I use it for (or the damp climate I live in).
-Phil
I like the ChipSafe approach for its storage density, being able to carry it to the project and its "instant" access to all the chips. Rails are great for quantity but when you start mixing small quantities of ICs it soon gets old having to unload a bunch of chips just to get the one you want located in the middle of the tube.
I understand about the humidity and passive comment.
In respect to ESD damage, passives are liable to static damage like semiconductors...it just takes more (voltage and/or incidents) to make it show up.
In most industries, ignoring the established practice ESD protection of devices is a reason for dismissal since it forces rejection rates up.
I should add that in reality all of us have picked up off the floor and reused a SMD device in a development environment.
That is if we can find the darn thing in the first place.....
I don't want to come back from vacation to find this place in flames and people all bent outa shape.
Back on the Forum in 3 weeks unless I can wrangle an InterWeb connection whilst in Bangladesh.
There seems to be only one person here bent out of shape.
Hmm...why is the HF box not recommended?
I was just looking at the HF offerings...small, medium and large variations of that similar box...the small and large versions looked to be okay with real hinges..the medium one had flakey hinges that looked like they would not last long.
I've delayed because it takes me time to take pictures of my storage solutions, and to get the time to make a post. If I didn't feel that this would help others I wouldn't respond at all after a comment like that. We're all volunteers here: you take what you can get, and don't complain if it's not precisely what you asked for. If you want something different you can hire a consultant.
For me, storage comes in 3 levels:
* Large: Full PCB assemblies, robots, motors, etc.
* Medium: Through hole components, nuts and bolts, etc.
* Small: SMD Components.
For storing large components I use a regular filing cabinets and a card filing cabinet. It's important to get the card filing cabinent because the drawers are shallow so you don't have to dig. I bought mine for $150 used from a surplus office equipment seller. I bought my 3 filing cabinets (not pictuctured) for $50 each from an excess equipment sale at a university.
For storing medium components I use these drawer units. Many people avoid these units because of the risk of component spillage. I haven't had any issue with mixed components. Even when moving it works ok: I just pull out the drawers and stack them, then tape them together. It's survived 4 moves without any issues.
For small components I use two solutions. For chips I use a SMD book from Adafruit. I cut out the parts labels and tape them to the slots on the pages.
For resistors and capacitors I use the SMT Component Enclosure. This is a great box that compactly and reliably stores plenty of SMD components. I use it with 603 sized components and don't have any problems. It's cheap and effective, and I'd buy it again. Plus, the case feels very sturdy and I feel confident that I could travel with it if I needed to. Not that I travel everywhere with my SMD collection.
Now my plea for civility...
It think a lot of forum "frequent fliers" so to speak are used to poking fun each other and that's probably OK and maybe helps build comradery.
However, it isn't always taken in jest by new forum members and may make them feel like an unwelcome outsider.
I've made plenty of comments that in hindsite weren't the most appropriate or could have been taking the wrong way, so I'm not pointing fingers, just pointing out that we should think before hitting submit.
C.W.
The latches are molded in as part of the box, too many fall off. The Planos are the best, very durable, well made (made in the USA) and can be configured for larger compartments. I can store BOE boards in them.
It is actually the Plano 3750, not 3650. Plano 2-3750 to be exact.
Those are used for the Propeller Education Kit. Nice storage box.
C.W.
Yes - I set up my BOEBot in one long ago. When my PE Kit arrived, it was so nice the way they stacked - now I use them for everything.
They stack nicely.
They hold quite a bit,
They are reconfigurable,
They are good for individual projects (except maybe robots once you get it assembled.
They are about the size of my laptop, so I can grab my laptop and a plano with a project in it and go off and work someplace uncluttered (see my other thread!)
They can be recycled when a project is finished....yeah, like that happens!!
In fact, I have a few unused around someplace...boy, if I can ever find those, all my problems will be solved!
Seriously? Seems the products, educational programs and curriculum should speak for themselves. The forums are actually very valuable, especially when a bit of rapport is developed. I routinely hear from customers about the value of the forums for their hobby projects, product designs, etc. If I'm aware of people treating you poorly I'll ask one of the moderators to straighten that out for us. We once had a "welcome the new member" campaign on the forums that went quite well but some people got creeped out by the new friendliness.
In general, Parallax educators are found less frequently on our forums yet they represent 40% of our business. Usually our staff is personally acquainted with educational customers, and we're all available to support you on your terms, which is a different kind of support than you might get on the forums. Teachers ask us about the particular products to use, how much time they should allocate, what to expect in the future, how they can mix/match our hardware, etc. There's so much to share that doesn't make it to the forums. So I suggest you contact one of us in the office. These are the top people I'd suggest:
Stephanie Lindsay, Tech Editor
Andy Lindsay, Application Engineer
Ken Gracey - e-mail me and tell me where to call you and let's meet
Jessica Uelmen, Dir Strategic Operations
Lauren Davis, Marketing Manager
Nick Ernst, Tech Support Engineer
Kevin Cook, Tech Support Engineer
These people comprise our Education Team, and all of us are closely involved with the program development. Their time at Parallax ranges from 4 to almost 20 years per person. All of us can be reached at 916 624 8333, anytime.
Educational questions can also be posted here http://forums.parallax.com/forumdisplay.php/49-Learn as this forum is closely monitored by Parallax crew.
One container is full of stand-offs, which are heavy so I just glued 2 magnets to the cap for that container.
This keeps them very visible and easy to get to when working on projects.
Okay, so no comments about how many prescription containers I have. This is many years supply of meds for a family of 4, plus 2 grandparents...
dgately
After getting them apart I came up with the idea of storage them in the same big tub, but this time with each one in its own quart or gallon sized ziplock bag so they won't be able to get tangled up.
C.W.