Software development. And stuff.

• Tip: If you’re left handed, put the soldering iron the left of your main work area. Makes it so much easier – before I did this, I kept getting tangled up.
• Tip: I have two solder spools – a chunky one for through-hole components, and fine for surface mount.
• Tip: Keep a bottle of water handy for wetting the sponge without having to leave the room.
• Tip: Even better, use a brass sponge – no water required.

I organize all my through-hole components and board into these drawers.

• Tip: Get a labeler.
• Tip: Keep everything in reach.
• Tip: I have an ‘unsorted’ drawer that I sweep components into when I’m done. Every once in a while, I’ll sort through this drawer and put everything back where it came from.
• Tip: For components like resistors and capacitors, split them into multiple drawers of ranges.

• Tip: You can never have too many power outlets.
• Tip: Lots and lots and lots of light!

• Tip: Easy to access hook up wire box. Held in place with tape.
• Tip: Yes, that’s a fire extinguisher at the back. I’ve never needed it, but I feel a lot better having it nearby.

• Tip: Phat choons to work to.
• Tip: The little grey box on the top shelf, just right of the middle: that’s where I keep all my surface mount components. They’re a lot easier to manage than through-hole.
• Tip: Every time you store a component, cut out the label with the part number, so you can easily Google the datasheet or order more when you come back to it later.

• Tip: Keep tools, cables and soldering supplies in these little containers, and get the entire container down when you need it.

• Tip: Leave space behind your desk, so you can easily get behind it to plug things in, re-wire, etc.