THANKS, HAVEN'T USED IT YET SO WON'T.
Regarding consumables,
stick to name brand supplies (brands such as Kester, Multicore, American Iron & Metals <AIM>, Indium, Alpha Metals/Cookson, MG Chemicals, Chemtronics, and Techspray for example). You'll save yourself both a lot of time, aggravation, and money in the long run. Including the financial implications of damaging what you're working on (parts & PCB's).
TUBE TABLE RADIOS, VTG TEST EQUIP. - ALL THE STUFF I NEED, I.E., MMs, PSUs, OSCILLOSCOPEs, SOLDERING/DESOLDERING STA & OVEN, MAYBE HANDHELD CALCULATORS within the $250 budget
Not really feasible I'm afraid, especially if you expect any quality at all.
Just a pair of meters that will suit your listed needs IMHO will run ~$172 (BM257 + Digitek DT-4000ZC). An old analog oscilloscope will realistically run you $80 - 100, and an entry level digital that you'd want to own, such as the DS1054Z, goes for ~$375 to your door (after the discount offered by TEquipment.net)*.
You'll also want a decent soldering station, such as a
Hakko FX-888D or
Weller WES51, given your predilections for quality at a good price (do note, that if you exceed an order total of $99, you'll qualify for free shipping; ordering some tips will easily get you there).
There are cheaper ways to go (new), but don't expect much (i.e.
variable temp stick irons or Chinese brands of adjustable temp stations on eBay;
example).
A quality used station might be worth looking for if you're unable/unwilling to cover the cost of a new Hakko or Weller linked above after the discount. Just make sure it has the minimum of parts necessary to make it work, and that there are still spares available for it (i.e. tips). Nice way to extend your buying power, and still get quality as a general rule.
A good quality brand used triple output PSU (CC & CV capability) will run you ~$80 - 100 (get more for your money this way than buying new IMHO). You can get singles and dual output supplies a bit cheaper, but I've not found as much value vs. the triple channel output models.
Will you use it on mains voltages? YES (appears to be the case, but would like to be sure; if you mean to test AC current, you may need an AC current clamp accessory or separate clamp meter) I HAVE AN UNTESTED VINTAGE AMPROBE JR MODEL Y500
Given the usage listed, I'd recommend starting with a BM257, and going from there. The Digitek previously linked would be an inexpensive second meter (just be aware of the voltages you're working with and the meter's ratings).
GOOD VALUES? 820a =$100, KLEIN MM5000 $100 EBAY THANKS MUCH!
The Greenlee 820A,
Yes if you can get it for $100 to your door (rebranded
BM827 IIRC, which goes for $119.17 @ tme.eu + shipping; BTW, this has higher counts than the BM257 for example, but check the features to see if this is a better choice; cheapest I'm seeing the 820A is ~$136, which is on par with the BM257s from our member Franky, aka
iloveelectronics, that sells on eBay <linked BM257 is his store>).
The Klein, NO IMO.
*
TEquipment offers EEVBlog members a 6% discount, including on their sale prices (they sell Rigol, Hakko, and Weller for example, and this discount will help your wallet). PM sent with this code.