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Parts & Tools Guide

This section details many of tools and parts needed to work on physical computing projects. The studio shop (North Studio with garage door) has a workbench with many common hand tools and power tools for drilling, cutting, holding, and shaping just about any kind of material. The black cabinets contain a variety of electronics parts and tools for use. Most of the tools described in the sections of this page are available in the studio.

Outside of the studio you have access to many kinds of work spaces and resources for making things on and off campus. Learn more about these Fabrication Resources.

Required Tools and Supplies

This list contains required tools and supplies for the course. The starter kit provides many basic components we will use to get started. As we progress in the class you will discover additional materials and parts that can be sourced through any of the suppliers listed. Plan to invest in additional parts to build your projects.

  • Arduino Starter Kit - This kit can be purcahsed from many different suppliers. I recommend looking for it on Digikey or any other electronics supplier for the lowest price.
  • MacOS or Windows based laptop

Tools Available at the Studio

The large black Husky workbench in the studio shop contains several kinds of tools. Feel free to safely use any of the tools available for making projects while at the studio. If you need assistance using any of the tools listed below, feel free to reach out for additional training. Do not take tools out of the shop.

  • Hand Tools - Screw drivers, Socket Sets, Hammers, Wrenches, Pliers
  • Power Tools - Skill Saw, Power Drill
  • Cutting Tools - Scissors, Xacto Knife, Utility Knife
  • Holding Tools - Clamps, Vise
  • Measuring Tools - Tape Measure, Ruler, Digital Caliper
  • Electronics - Oscilloscope, Soldering Iron
  • Hot Wire Cutter
  • Safety - Gloves, Glasses, Ear muffs

Parts Available at the Studio

The black cabinet to the left of the large black Husky workbench contains a variety of electronics and parts. Students have access to the supplies in this cabinet for building projects.

  • Arduino Microcontrollers
  • Breadboards
  • Sensor Kits
  • Hookup Wires
  • Raspberry Pi Devices
  • USB Cables
  • Resistors
  • LEDs
  • Capacitors
  • IC Kits
  • Power Supplies
  • Soldering Tools
  • Motors
  • Heat Shrink

Consumables

Consumables are suplies that can be used in the process of building a project. There are limited consumables available in the studio for use as long as they are stocked. If something is out of stock, feel free to let me know so we can restock as soon as possible. In some cases, you will need to supply your own consumables or expendable supplies to build projects. Take a look at the Suppliers section to locate items you may need.

  • Printer Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Vinyl Rolls & Transfer Paper
  • Tape
    • Duct Tape / Gorilla Tape
    • Electrical Tape
    • Copper Tape
  • Glue & Adhesives
  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Sharpies
  • Zip Ties
  • Fasteners (Hardware)
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Nuts & Bolts
  • Staples
  • Cardboard Sheets / Boxes
  • Plastic Containers
  • Foam Core
  • Card Stock
  • String / Rope

Electronics Tool Kit

This list contains the most common tools found in an electronics tool kit. These are items that you might consider purchasing for your own tool kit as you will likely use them for many years. This list on Octopart contains the items found in the studio shop and my personal reccomendations for tools. Given limited budgets, attention is given to the cost and reliability of items. Note that this list doesn't contain electronics, parts, or starter kits.

  • Electrical Tools
    • Digital Multimeter
    • Alligator Test Leads
  • Hand Tools
    • Wire Strippers, 20-30 AWG
    • Needle Nose Pliers
    • Diagonal Cutters
    • Mini Screwdriver Set
    • Xacto Knife
    • Tweezer Set
  • PPE
    • Safety Glasses
  • Soldering Tools
    • Soldering Iron & Extra Tips
    • Third Hand Tool
    • Octopus Helping Hands
    • Adjustable PCB Holder
    • Lead Free Solder
    • Brass Sponge
    • Solder Wick
    • Solder Sucker
    • Solder Mat
  • Storage
    • Component storage
    • Toolbox

Suppliers

This list contains many of the top suppliers of electronics, mechanical parts, and materials to build things. Some tools and materials will be cheaper and easier to get at the usual big box stores (HD, Lowes, Ace) or on Amazon. Learning how to and where to source parts for projects is an extremely valuable skill to pick up through practice. When possible, try to source materials locally to reduce shipping costs and support the local economy. Beyond this list, you can find more specialized suppliers and manufacturers in databases such as the IQS Directory.

Electronics

Mechanical

  • McMaster Carr - One of the best places to source just about any kind of mechanical parts. They likely have slightly higher prices and don't offer free shipping.
  • Alibaba - The other Ebay of the world. This is a great place to source all kinds of parts i fyou are willing to wait longer or need to order alot of something for cheaper.
  • Misumi - An alterntive to McMaster Carr and ULINE.

Materials

  • Plasticare (Denver) - A great supplier of acrylics and plastic sheet goods
  • Colorado Plastics (Louisville) - Acrylic and other common sheet plastics
  • Boulder Lumber Company (Boulder)
  • Austin Hardwoods (Denver)
  • Paxton Wood (Denver) - A great place to purchase high quality plywood sheets and hardwoods.
  • C&M Iron & Metal (Denver)
  • Denver Boxes (Denver) - Local supplier of cardboard sheets and boxes.
  • Bantam Tools Materials - Material store for the Bantam Mill. Many of these materials can be found other places online or locally. CO Plastics in Louisville is a good local supplier with similar materials.
  • Canal Plastics Center - A NYC based supplier of acrylics. Plasticare is a great local alternative for colorful acrylics.
  • Reynolds Advanced Materials (Denver) - A great supplier of mold making materials. Visit their showroom to see samples of different materials and use cases.

Tools and Supplies

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