Hey there! I started circuit bending a year or so ago and I was asking a lot of the same questions as you.

Google around for circuit bending tutorials and you are bound to find some.

Here's what worked for me:

• Find toys/electronics to circuit bend.

  -These are usually found in thrift stores, like Goodwill.

  -Don't buy new toys from a department store, they usually have electronic components that are more modern and harder to mess with.

  -Don't spend a lot of money on a thing unless you are certain you know exactly how you are going to mess with it. I'm poor, so saving money was a huge aspect for me.

  -Look for stuff that was made somewhere between 1980 - 2005ish. test it out in the store first to make sure it makes noises, the more the better. (You can sometimes hear if a toy is older, its sounds sometimes sound a bit more 'low-quality' or something... At least to me. One indicator is this: If the batteries are running low, a good toy to circuit bend will make some odd sounds.)

• Buy the crud you need, but don't overdo it. Here's my motto: cheap is fine for first projects, but invest in better if you stick with it. You need:

  -solder

  -a soldering iron

  -Alligator leads(clips)

  -Several screwdrivers of varying sizes.

  -Several smaller screwdrivers

  -wire

  -resistors (look online for more details)

  -These are the basics, but there may be more you need. Look online more.

• Circuit bend.

  -Use an area with good light.

  -Google for tutorials for your specific item. You might have gotten lucky and gotten a commonly circuit-bent item.

  -Google for tutorials for specific effects. You might want to make your item make certain sounds. Google will help you find people who have done it before you, if it has been done.

  -Google for tutorials for any questions you have. People have probably asked it before. If you get stuck, phrase your question as many ways as possible and Google the variations. You will find answers, even if they are not the specific ones you were looking for. All information you digest will help you better learn this game of circuit bending.

Yeah man... I dunno. Just use Google and if you're really into it, keep reading more about it. Stop by every thrift store you see or if you're loaded, buy whatever shit you wanna bend on Ebay. Buy the stuff you need online, at local electronic stores, or if you absolutely have to, radio shack.

Here's a good site to start. Just read.