tricks or tips for getting a neat board

[Koolaide]

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone had any tips/tricks to share to getting a real sharp looking board. Centered components, straight leads.... ect. Hope this makes since.
Thanks,
Jim

[TUBEDUDE]

Plot where your parts must be for best function, thermal shedding and minimum noise.
Physically layout your components , mark and measure.

[Phil_S]

Like anything in life, use the rule, 80% planning, 20% doing. This 80% makes the 20% go really well. In this case, do what you must to ramp up your ability to visualize a tidy board or a tidy point to point. Sometimes, I draw a layout on paper as close to scale as possible. I know this takes time. It cements a visual understanding of what you will be doing. One time, when I was new at it, I used colored pencils to draw the stripes on the resistors, etc., though that is overkill.

It is critically important to decide on order of assembly. Work from a bill of materials, which helps insure that you cover 100% of the parts. Assembly includes things like wiring under the board or above the board. Make notes. Follow them and check off each step. This helps with both neatness and completeness.

Think about whether you work best from right to left, left to right, top to bottom, etc. If you are left handed, you work the opposite of right handed. Where do you want the "open" side of the board in relation to how you hold the hot iron.

Always return your tools to the same place and keep your bench well organized. The muscle memory you develop by practicing this habit is worth it's weight in gold, and you won't lose your tools. Did you ever put something down 5 minutes ago only to forget where you put it? I have and that is when your tools hide in plain sight.

Keep a schematic or a complete layout diagram on the bench. Mark it as you install components and wires.

You might be surprised how the investment of time in planning actually makes the job go faster. IMHO, it doesn't increase the time on a build. It's the tale of the tortoise and the hare. Be the tortoise.

BTW, there is nothing worse for making it sloppy than finding you've got some rework to do on it. Once and done is always going to be neater.

[Colossal]

Some very good advice, Phil.

In addition to everything Phil said above, I take the time to model an amp in a drawing program. I measure parts, draw them, and virtually build the amp. I work out every detail beforehand, including lead routing.

[dorrisant]

Use an app like DIY Layout Creator, etc. to make your layout. When finished, export as a pdf and you can print that to use as a hole punch guide for your board.

[drew]

Lead benders are helpful for both straightening component leads and putting neat bends in them to fit your turrets or eyelets. There are two sizes; most of the places we all buy tube-related stuff from have them.

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