If you have ever used helping hands to hold electronic components, you know that most are quite tricky to position in the exact location that you require. One solution could be this excellent DIY build by Tim Gremalm, who has mounted helping hands on an adjustable aluminium rail for easy positioning.
“This is a pair of helping hands I made for soldering. Ordinary clamps and holders are so flimsy. The base is a couple of articulating arms that is ordinarily used for dial clock holders at CNC machines.”
Why Adjustable Helping Hands Are Essential
Helping hands are available in a wide variety of different designs, with some being more effective than others. Personally, I think this design using the sliding aluminium rail and custom-made clamps and hinges is probably one of the best I’ve seen to date. The adjustable nature of the aluminium rail allows for precise positioning, which is crucial when working on delicate electronic components. This flexibility can significantly improve the quality of your work, making soldering and other tasks much easier and more efficient.
Traditional helping hands often come with fixed positions, which can be limiting. The adjustable rail system, however, offers a range of motion that can accommodate various sizes and shapes of components. This is particularly useful for complex projects that require multiple angles and positions.
Building Your Own Adjustable Helping Hands
Creating your own adjustable helping hands is not as daunting as it may seem. Tim Gremalm’s design is a great example of how you can use readily available materials to build a highly functional tool. The base of the helping hands is made from articulating arms that are typically used for dial clock holders in CNC machines. These arms provide the necessary stability and flexibility.
To build your own, you will need:
1. Aluminium Rail: This serves as the backbone of the setup, allowing for adjustable positioning.
2. Articulating Arms: These provide the flexibility needed to hold components at various angles.
3. Clamps and Holders: Custom-made clamps and holders can be attached to the articulating arms to secure your components.
The process involves mounting the articulating arms onto the aluminium rail and attaching the clamps to the arms. This setup allows for easy adjustments and precise positioning, making it a versatile tool for any electronics enthusiast.
Additional Tips and Tricks
When building your own helping hands, consider the following tips to enhance functionality:
– Use Strong Magnets: Incorporate strong magnets at the base to secure the helping hands to your workbench. This adds an extra layer of stability.
– Add LED Lights: Integrate small LED lights to illuminate your work area. This can be particularly useful for detailed tasks.
– Use Heat-Resistant Materials: Ensure that the clamps and holders are made from heat-resistant materials to withstand the heat from soldering.
By following these tips, you can create a set of helping hands that are not only adjustable but also highly functional and durable.
Source: Helping hands : Adafruit
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