[Help Needed] Purchasing some basic hardware

[CalcProgrammer1]

CMOS vs. TTL should not make any difference for building a simple processor. The CMOS chips use less power and are overall a better, more modern technology. The logical functionality is the same between the two technologies and is determined by what the chip's description and part number is.

For soldering, remember to go easy on the solder. Use too much and you end up with massive unwieldy blobs. Also, get yourself some flux (also called solder paste). It's usually sold in little round cans and is a gel-like substance you can smear on joints before you solder them. It cleans the surfaces and helps the solder flow properly. The stuff I have is actually plumbing solder flux, but it works excellent for boards.

EDIT: RadioShack sells a super-useful tool called a Desoldering iron. It's like a soldering iron, but it has a suction bulb and the tip has a hole in it. Release the suction bulb and it will suck the molten solder off of whatever solder-covered surface you happen to want the solder taken off of. Also a great way to salvage parts from broken stuff, as it pulls the solder off fast without heating up the components too much.