Top 5 Under-$50 Upgrades for Makers (That Actually Matter)
We all love a fancy CNC or $500 soldering station, but some of the best gear on my bench cost less than dinner for two.
Here’s a short, battle-tested list of under-$50 upgrades I use weekly — and actually recommend.
1. Magnetic Parts Tray – $8
[Link]
Drop a screw? This tray catches it. Stick it on your tool chest, slap it on your resin printer — it's a sanity saver.
Tommy’s Take: I haven’t vacuumed a nozzle spring in months.
2. Silicone Work Mat – $15
[Link]
Heat-resistant, grippy, compartmentalized. Perfect for soldering or messy disassembly jobs.
Tommy’s Take: Saved me from melting my table. Twice.
3. USB Microscope – $45
[Link]
Perfect for inspecting solder joints, reading tiny chip markings, or just zooming in on weird stuff like a gremlin.
Tommy’s Take: Not necessary, but once you have it? Game changer.
4. Digital Caliper – $18
[Link]
Stop guessing measurements. Especially when 3D printing tolerances are tight.
Tommy’s Take: My prints fit better. My rage fits dropped 40%.
5. Anti-static Brush Set – $10
[Link]
Use them to clean electronics, clean nozzles, or brush away resin debris without zapping your gear.
Tommy’s Take: Cheap but priceless when you're in PCB mode.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to drop $300 to feel like a pro. Sometimes the best upgrades are small, weird, and arrive in plastic baggies.
Add them to your bench, and thank me later.
