[sdiy] moving to SMD/SMT

[john mahoney]

Anybody here doing much with SMT? I'm looking to make the jump. Many
ICs are only available in SOIC and TSSOP packages, as we all know. I
like the idea of building small stuff, though, and those discrete SMDs
are so small. (Widdle baby weesistors, awww, so cute! ;-)

So, what kind of equipment do I need?

I see the term "rework station" a lot, but I don't understand it. Is
that the tool of choice? Does it do soldering *and* desoldering? My
Soldapult would probably suck up an entire SMD! Maybe desoldering
braid is better? (Or is the rework station really the way to go?)

If an iron with a 1/32" or 1/64" tip is good enough, that'd be nice. I
also read here http://protoboards.theshoppe.com/ that there's a
soldering tip that looks like a miniature ladle. Do I need one of
these, too?

I've also read about the toaster oven reflow technique. Seems
interesting, and I suppose that I'll try it, but it won't replace the
need for a more focused soldering method.

And since SMDs usually go on PC boards, is there anything special to
keep in mind when making PCBs?

Any other tips, warnings, or links?
--
john