Yeah...you would think that with 13 machines (starting collecting in mid 2006), I would be more confident in my abilities. Here is some of the work I have done on my older games:
* For boards which were shot, so I took the easy path and replaced the PS, Driver and MPU boards.
* I have stripped playfields and underneath apron, and rebuilt the flippers and kickback assemblies.
* Periodically a diode breaks loose and requires soldering.
* I have also replaced coils
On my BW pins I have mostly just had to replace micro switches, resolder some connections and replace a couple of coils. Of course I have done the easy stuff like shooter springs, sleeves and such.
All of my Sterns were bought NIB and have been very reliable. I did need to Tweak a few things on my LoTR out of the box (mechanical issues) but no problems whatsoever. I am amazed at how reliable these pins have been.
I worked very hard (and spent considerable $) to get excellent specimens of TZ, CV, ToTAN and SS which have required very little work. Just the basics like coils, flippers and the occasional micro switch...but that is because I am a freak with switches working perfectly. I had a switch on my ToTAN (#68) which takes a second or two to register and experience told me just what to do. I replaced that switch and it works perfectly. I think I have the TZ bridge rectifier problem as sometimes in the summer if there is a slight loss of voltage, the machine will reset. I have dragged my feet to fix it.
The most ambitious repair that I performed did not go as planned. My WoF wheel would never stop spinning so there was a transistor which needed to be replaced. No problem right...I'll just order it and replace it. It was a surface mount though. Urgh!!! I got out my magnifying glasses and tweezers and desoldered the transistor but a small portion of the trace broke off. I ended up ordering a new board and replacing it. Oh well...it's only $ and I love that game. I forgot about once I was able to play it again.
I guess what it comes down to is that if I end up with an issue, I don't necessarily fix it right away...I have plenty of other pins to play. With 13 machines, there are always things not working 100%. My brother is very good with the soldering iron so If I have a good amount of that work I have him comer over. We do some repairs and play for hours like when we were kids. I guess I can't imagine performing repairs at a business. The though of that makes me uncomfortable.
By the way, if I got the help from other people, I would always pay them. I would never ask anyone to work for free.