Selected list of tools and supplies for making dollhouse lamps

Photo  An upcycled spin caddy from a 3D filament spool to hold soldering and lights supplies

A famous Chinese proverb says, One must have good tools in order to do a good job.  Though there are other versions/translations, I find this one the most appropriate for my topic.

A firm believer in this saying, I always acquire the needed tools either through purchses or attempts at producing them.  Not all of my tools are good but at least I have the "tools".

It will be great fun for me to show you some of my jerry-rigged tools in a separate blog post if there's any interest.  DM me on Instagram if you'd like to have a laugh seeing these home-made tools.  :)

The followiong are a few tools and supplies I use when making dollhouse lamps or lights.  There are plenty of choices on the market.  Please do some online searches for the items you want at prices you feel justified.  Since I not only make mini lamps for myself, I also sell them to cover my tool purchases, they are all justified.  LOL

Occassionaly I would be dead set on a relatively high-end tool that has lots of bells and whistles.  My goal is to increase my enjoyment using it and hopefully attain a higher quality in the finished mnis.

By the way, I feel obligated to let you know that when you use any of the following Amazon links, I may earn a small referral fee if your purchases are deemed eligible or qualified by Amazon. 

Amazon affiliate links to selected tools and supplies for making miniature lights:

1) WIRE STRIPPER

Ideal Industry Wire Stripper (multiple gauges)

2) SOLDERING IRON

Weller WE1010NA Digital Soldering Station

Plenty of soldering irons are avaiilable that will work well for basic soldering jobs.  I also own a couple of basic ones that I bought from Aliexpress  I'd strongly recommend one that comes with a sturdy (not filmsy) stand for safety reasons.  This digital one heats up super fast and one can tell easily if the temperatures are within the right range.

3) HEAT GUN

Mine is a Wagner HT400 model (350W) that I bought from Walmart.com.  I couldn't find any shopping link to it any more.  This is very helpful on the heat shrink tubes.  I have seen others using a cigarette lighter to heat the plastic tubes over the wire joints.  I am more comfortable using a heat gun. 

4) ALPHA FRY ROSIN CORE SOLDER

I bought a 4oz spool in 2014 and it lasts...  This is the brand I use and I'm sure others perform just as well.

5) OATEY NO. 95 LEAD FREE TINNING FLUX

You will need tinning flux to guide your solder to flow more uniformly on the connections.  It also provides better adhesion. The above link is to Home Depot (not Amazon) due to their price differences.