Recommended tools for working on Compact Macs

[Surfheart]

I've done virtually no soldering work in my life but have become interested in playing around with compact Macs. I have 2 now that need some work done on the analog boards, can someone recommend the basic tools I'll need to get started?

Obviously a soldering iron of some kind, but Im lost when it comes to type of solder and flux and all these other associated products at my local electronics store.

Thanks!

Edit: Would something like this http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1651&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=953#1 be ok to get started?

Would I need anything else?

 

[Scott Baret]

There are some good recommendations for solder on the old Classic Mac FAQ:

http://macfaq.org/hardware/misc.shtml#Q2.8.8

You'll want a few basic tools for your compacts aside from soldering guns. First and foremost is a Torx T-15 screwdriver with a long shaft. One of these drivers exists in the Craftsman Professional line and usually is available at Sears stores. If you can't find one, send me a PM and I'll check my local Sears (they usually seem to have them in stock). This screwdriver will take out the screws holding the Mac's case together.

Once you get inside, you'll need Phillips head screwdrivers and TV tuner tools (for fine-tuning CRT settings). I also like to use an insulated pair of pliers to carefully remove anode caps from CRTs. You probably already have some Phillips screwdrivers sitting around; I usually keep a few sizes on hand. It's never a bad idea to keep a flathead or two around in case of third-party hardware.

Don't forget a straightened-out paper clip, which comes in handy if you have a stuck diskette or need to push a programmer's switch button on a Mac without an installed switch. (Kudos to a poster on the original LEM Compact Macs list, who gave me that tip before the 68KMLA was in existence).

I also keep a few other Torx sizes around, but they're mostly for PowerBook work. You're unlikely to find any use for them in a compact.

 

[Surfheart]

Thanks for the link Scott, that will be helpful. I've got all the tools I need to crack the case and I've made myself an anode discharge tool, it was more the soldering side of things that I was interested in.

Is it best to completely remove the existing solder from a joint or should I reflow and add solder?

Also, I need to resolver a tiny joint on the keyboard where the cable connection socket connects to the keyboard's circuit board. Can a normal iron be used for this or is there some other way?

Thanks!