Reddit reviews PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center

I have a Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station, and I highly recommend it for just about any kind of work. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BRC2XU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809457&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=weller+wes51&dpPl=1&dpID=41WVs6AdNqL&ref=plSrch

The slightly more expensive digital version doesn’t solder any better, it just has buttons and a display instead of an adjustment knob.

If you’re working on tiny components, then you’ll just need to buy a few smaller tips, but there are plenty of sizes and shapes out there for Weller irons. I’ve always just bought cheaper knockoff tips, like the ones where you can get a variety pack of 10 for ~$30 on amazon. I don’t think tips are really worth spending a premium for the Weller brand, unlike the iron itself. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VFYPKN2/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809384&sr=8-2-fkmr2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=weller+replacement+tip+set+wes51

I’d also recommend a good vise or workstation to hold things steady, because there’s nothing worse than trying to use crappy little helping hands or just solder on a bench top. I use a Panavise like this, just as an idea, but there are probably some decent cheaper options out there: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00011QA0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809613&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=panavise+350&dpPl=1&dpID=41smUr9QAlL&ref=plSrch

PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center.

Great choices! Although I might be biased, lol.

That's a good selection of padlocks as well.

I'd recommend visiting a thrift store/habitat for humanity/etc to see if you can find a really cheap double-sided deadbolt for less than $10. You can take the pins out and play with it in a configuration that only has 1 pin, then 2 pins, then 3 pins, etc. That will help a lot as you first start to learn and understand feedback.

Vises are really nice, but definitely not necessary, especially for padlocks. I started picking locks 7 or 8 years ago and I only just bought my first vise, a Panavise 350. At $89.99, it is not cheap, but dang it is nice. There are cheaper vise options, but I would have to let someone else chime in.

Get a nice panavise: http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex

[panavise 350] (http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M)

I use them for work and once I picked up the hobby got one for home use. Not too big for a desk, able to solidly grip even big locks, adjustable angling, built-in tray for picks and wrenches. Highly recommend!

The BosnianBill special - Panavise 350.

http://amzn.com/B00011QA0M

The Panavise 350 that Bill uses is on Amazon for about $90. It comes with the tray base for that.

PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3nHOAbAD0Q7GR

There are other, cheaper models of Panavise on Amazon, one for $26 and another for $50 if I remember correctly.

It's a PanaVise 350 I bought of Amazon: PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SDawzbDDR5TEB

Hope that helps...

Thanks! Here’s a link

Flush cutters. This pair and this pair are the industry standard workhorse. Absolutely essential tools.

PanaVise clamps are a must have. This one and this one are my favorites.

A manually operated solder sucker will be an important buy as well.

Here's the exact PanaVise I ordered, it's $89 w/Amazon Prime.

For Soldering Irons if you go Hakko or Weller just remember that they come with conical tips which are not very good at most jobs.

Get a chisel tip and save your soul

Panavise makes board holders. The 350 is my favorite, despite the cost it will probably never need to be replaced.

http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1324882350&sr=1-4

The only good 3rd hand commercially that is probably a step above is one for jewelers. They are expensive
You can cope with the cheap ones, but I have been eyeing this instructable

http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/

So I think I'm only a handful of people who uses a PanaVise. In particular, I have the 350

Works well and I know it will last forever since they're still being used at work. My only gripe about any of the vacuum base styles is the potential that if it's poorly treated the rubber could start to decay. That and how the surface needs to be super good in order to use the thing. Not knocking on anyone who uses those types of vise, but it's something I considered when I purchased mine.

Anyways, a vise is a vise and as long as you're not cranking down on it hard, it'll last. Also, if you don't plan on using the vise for anything else, then the cheaper ones will do just fine.

BosnianBill uses the PanaVise 350.

Thanks for this...I had this in my cart, but am wondering which jaws might be more versatile.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/?coliid=I9WQ4IH9W2YM4&colid=7QT3HBCPKJOP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I use the thing Bosnian Bill uses. I will link it for you.

Edit. Here, this things is pretty nice and I have used it for other things

PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center

its a bit of overkill for what he's using it for, but its more general purpose than the circuit board attachment

I don't know if many lockpickers have tried it, but I have seen a dremel vice that looks like it would be very decent for an entry level vice as it is much cheaper (30$) than the vice you are looking for which usually runs about 75-100$. As for the vice you are seeking, I think this is it, the PanaVise 350 which is pictured in your first link(with the jaws reversed).