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Recommended Tools

The following are the tools in Andrew Thaler’s personal OpenCTD toolkit and his preferred consumables. Though these may not represent the best tools for your needs, this kit has been used to reliably develop and construct dozens of OpenCTDs. Since Andrew runs a fabrication studio involved in multiple projects, in several cases these tools may be excessive.

Soldering Irons (Yes, he has three irons, each of which is useful in different circumstances. Any of them can be used to complete the entire assembly, though the FX-901 is the most difficult with which to work.): 
Hand Tools (for both electronics and housing assembly):
  • Flush cut pliers: 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter (https://amzn.to/3bYQPMp) 
  • Wire strippers: Stanley Hand Tools 84-213 Wire Stripper (https://amzn.to/30URW9D) 
  • Needle-nosed pliers: Stanley 84-096 5-Inch Needle Nose Plier (https://amzn.to/3eS8cAD) 
  • Utility knife: OLFA 1075449 XA-1 9mm Fiberglass Rubber Grip Utility Knife (https://amzn.to/3cOIxpw) 
  • Epoxy gun: 3M 08190 Performance Manual Applicator for 50 ml Cartridges (https://amzn.to/3twpOWG) Note: when Andrew bought this applicator, it was still under patent and the only version available. It’s worked reliably for 10+ years, but there are now several much less expensive clones on the market that all look perfectly fine. 
Power Tools (Note: If you bought the OpenCTD Rev7 Kit, the housing has already been cut for you and you will not need any power tools):
  • Drill: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver (https://amzn.to/2Qajoy0) 
  • 1-inch spade bit: Irwin Tools 1764345 Short Spade Bit 1" (https://amzn.to/3tuSdwn) 
  • Router: PORTER-CABLE 690Lr Router 1-3/4Hp (https://amzn.to/3eNjAO6) 
  • Chop saw: The sliding compound miter saw Andrew uses is no longer in production, but pretty much any standard chop/miter saw will do and, in a pinch, a handsaw works just fine. 
3D Printing (Note: If you bought the OpenCTD Rev7 Kit, the parts have already been printed for you and you will not need a 3D printer. Pretty much any 3D printer will work, however, Andrew conducted a review of low-cost printers to determine the best 3D printer for field work, using the OpenCTD parts as one of the test standards. You may find the results of that project helpful in determining the best printer for you: http://www.southernfriedscience.com/the-quest-for-the-best-tough-3d-printer-for-under-200-our-final-recommendations/): 
Programming and Calibration:
Prefered Consumables (Note: many of these already come with your OpenCTD Rev7 Kit):