Parts Sources - who gets what, where?

[sabredude]

Just curious who everybody uses for sourcing parts.
Mouser, Tube Depot, Hoffman, Triode?
i think it would be great to start some sort of listing of popular places for items. Example - Use Tube Depot to 50+50 JJ Caps - they have great prices! or whatever.
Starting this off:
I like to get my transformers from Triode Electronics except Torroidal that come from Antek.
Most of my other components come from Tube depot for fast shipping and a simple website.
Not a big fan of Mouser - yes, many things are cheaper but it seems dificult to find what I want. Almost too BIG of a selection.

[SoundPerf]

The trick with Mouser is learning how to use the seaching function. Or another way to put it is to learn how to narrow down the choices by understanding how they classify their stuff. When I first started to use them it would take forever to get to the part, but now I can do it quite fast. The more things I can get in one spot the better. Shipping costs are getting rediculous.

I would use Digi-Key more, but I have yet to get fast with their online part seach function.

I use Tube Depot too, but sometimes they just don't have what I want.

AES is another mainstay.

[Phil_S]

Once you order from Mouser, eventually they will mail you the paper catalog, which is about 2.5" thick. Ironically, the paper catalog is much, much easier to use than the web-based search. There may be items not listed in the paper catalog, but having it can be a real boost for using the web-based search.

[M Fowler]

You can create a BOM in mouser software for those frequently ordered parts like switches and 12mm switch lock washers, knobs etc.

CE Distributions also known as AES for non business accounts.
Mojotone
tubedepot
Hoffman
turretboards.com
Triodestore.com
Marsh
Just radios
Apexjr
Angela

There are more but I don't go to them frequently as the above list.

[SoundPerf]

Here's a link to request a catalog from Mouser. I suppose the catalog is easier for others, but I can find a part much faster online then the catalog. Maybe because I can't see anymore and paging through a thick catalog is a PITA.

http://www.mouser.com/SubscriptionCente ... ption.aspx

[Structo]

When you first start out sourcing your own parts, especially if you are a bit of a novice, you will find that you mistakenly order the wrong parts.
Be it the wrong value, rating or physical size.

Mouser can get tricky because it seems they are constantly moving things around and obsoleting parts that are being phased out.

So you end up with a lot of spare parts which is OK for the most part because you can fill your part bins and if you are a tinkerer you can eventually find a use for them.

You just have to pay special attention and read data sheets.
Setting the spec filters is where you have to learn the tricks.

I buy from AES, Hoffman, Mouser, Newark, Allied Electronics, McMaster-Carr, Digikey, Angela......



[/i]

[MCK]

If you're lazy like me then you call or email RJ Guitars and ask RJ to do all the legwork for you... He bundles it all into a kit and ships to you at a very reasonable price. This way I find that I save on individual shipping costs that I would otherwise pay each source...

Disclaimer, I build few things far and apart. If I was building in greater volume then I would order in bulk direct from source I suppose...

Disclaimer 2, I have no ownership in RJ's business. Just a happy customer.