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Gizmos&Gadgets

Starter Maker Toolkit

You don't need a whole workshop to start. This is the honest split between "buy this week" and "earn it with your first three builds."

Starter Maker Toolkit Checklist

gizmos & gadgets · the bench essentials

Need it now

  • Breadboard (full size)Where every project starts
  • Jumper wire setM-M, M-F — get the multipack
  • Arduino Uno or cloneThe classic first brain
  • USB cable for your boardThe one everyone forgets
  • LED + resistor kitBlinking lights = instant joy
  • Small screwdriver setPhillips #0 and #1 do 90% of jobs
  • Safety glassesNon-negotiable at this bench

Nice to have (later!)

  • 3D printerThe upgrade, not the starting line
  • Soldering iron + standWith an adult. Always.
  • MultimeterYour circuit lie detector
  • Hot glue gunFixes 40% of all problems
  • Wire strippersTeeth are not wire strippers
  • Digital calipersFor designing parts that actually fit
  • ESP32 dev boardsWiFi gadgets, once Uno feels easy

Bench rule: buy the cheap version first. If you use it enough to break it or outgrow it, congratulations — you've earned the nice one.

free plan from the Gizmos & Gadgets workshop · @GizmoAndGadgets on YouTube

Wondering which exact models live on my bench? That's theGear I Use page.