[sdiy] What's is this tool called?

[Julian]

>>How about these items from RS Components : 546-354 and 549-527 or better still this from Farnell : 439-757


Rapid, as ever, beats farnell's price -

http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Fasteners-Production-Equipment/PCB-Equipment/Accessories/PCB-Assembly-jig/29481/kw/pcb

and offers a smaller, cheaper option (farnell probable does also, just havent checked)


I have one almost the same as the larger one.  They cost a lot (slightly less for mine, as i bought it used off ebay) but i 
personally find it *so* usefull that its cost has been repaid many times in man hours saved.

That said, they are best if youre doing the same board over and over, as then stuffing time becomes diminished, and the speed gains 
of the tool come through much greater.

As Paul said thought, you have to right poke about when soldering.  I go from one corner, bending the leads out of the way with the 
iron as i go, and then trim each session (by compnent size as usual) at the end.

Next on the shopping list is one of those pre-forming devices, but theyre lots of money again : (  (thatlld solve a lot of the 
lead - forrest issue, and take out the trimming stage on most components too)

Julian