I started off with a second hand MITS Altair 8800 (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altair_8800 ) which I got for fixing the botched assembly job the guy made on it. Also had a Heathkit 3400 (
http://www.vintage-computer.com/heathkit3400.shtml ). Spent several summers repairing Sperry Univac U200 terminals. Made several apple][ clones. Sometimes I miss the old eight bit days.....