Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!maverick.ksu.ksu.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!atropa!berger
From: berger@atropa (Dire Wolf)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Wire-wrap tools
Message-ID: <1991Feb7.221900.16101@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 7 Feb 91 22:19:00 GMT
References: <21041@hydra.gatech.EDU>
Sender: news@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (News)
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 49

jgb@prism.gatech.EDU (James G. Baker) writes:

>I've done some work with my PS/2 prototype cards but need to do some serious
>wire-wrapping.  I've seen tools from $10 to $200.  Some are cheap.  Some look
>cheap.  Any suggestions for brand names or features like:

>	-point-to-point (daisy chain) wrapping
>	-turns index
>	-batteries *vs* AC
>	-size/cost of bits
>	-spool of wire on gun *vs* pre-cut wires

*----
I favor the Gardner-Denver W/W tools (especially over Oki, which also seems
to get repackaged under other brand names).  I recommend a rechargable w/w tool
over A/C powered.  The cord can be a real annoyance, especially when making
corrections to a board that is already in place.

I don't know of any w/w tools that do daisy chain wrapping (except the hard
way of course).  The bits are initially expensive, but you probably don't
need more than one, a bit for 30 gauge modified wrap, and a sleeve.  G-D
has sleeves that work for several bits, so you could get a 26, 28 and 30 g.
bit and just one sleeve.  But really, anything but 30 gauge is pretty rare
these days.

Finally, avoid the spring loaded tools with over-wrap protection (Oki again).
The G-D tools let you "feel" the wrap.  The spring loaded tools actually
take control away, and I don't think the spring does as good a job as my
hand with continuous tactile feedback.

The G-D tools (especially the older gray head models!) seem to go faster
than the Oki and Ungar tools.  I've used them for virtually an entire
day (well, 12 hours at a stretch anyway) without getting tired.

Pre-cut wires have no benefit in my book, and tend to be very expensive.
The cost of 1000 pre-cut wires of any length runs about the same as
1000' of wire wrap wire on a spool.  You get a lot less wire.  You have to
stock a lot of different lengths or you either end up cutting and stripping
yourself anyway or using wire that is too long (which means sloppy routing
on the board, harder to trace or fix later, noise, etc.).  You also lose the
benefit of color coding, unless you can afford to stock a wide variety of
lengths and colors.  I have no trouble with the wires I cut and strip
myself - but be sure to get a good stripper made for the purpose.

--
	Mike Berger
	Department of Statistics, University of Illinois
	AT&TNET     217-244-6067
	Internet    berger@atropa.stat.uiuc.edu