[sdiy] To SMT orNot to SMT.. that is my question

[Dan Snazelle]

these are the kind of TIPS that Im trying to find so THANKS

 how fine of a soldering tip?

i use the blue temp controlled
soldering iron from Weller and i havent been able to find a SUPER tiny tip-maybe im looking for too small?




Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 20, 2013, at 1:41 PM, "Michael Bachman" <bachmanm50 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Although our tech does all the SMT by hand, looking through a
> stereoscope, I have friends that use a USB magnifying camera and a 7"
> LCB monitor.  I tested this out and it works great.  Much easier on
> the eyes and you have much more freedom of movement.
> 
> So use that old outdated PC, pick up a cheap monitor and shell out $40
> for a USB magnifying camera..that and a good fine soldering tip and
> you're golden. (also, liquid rosin is the key for those fine pitch
> parts)
> 
>> On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 11:54 AM, Randel Osborne
>> <randel at redshift-consulting.com> wrote:
>> I recently started using an Oster electric skillet and infra-red heat gun to
>> do SMT soldering, and am very pleased with the results. I think that it is
>> simpler and cheaper than a toaster, and seems to result in less melting of
>> plastic connectors.
>> 
>> -Randel
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Dec 19, 2013, at 9:35 PM, Michael Bachman <bachmanm50 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> OK, I just spent the last year working on a analog sound card.
>> 
>> It was at the point of needing a revision.. so I did it.. in SMT.
>> 
>> Now I am wondering if this was a mistake..(and big waste of my Holiday
>> vacation)
>> Can your average DIYer build and SMT board?
>> 
>> The smallest part is a SOT23, resistors and caps are 1206, the ICs are
>> all SOIC.. no fine pitch.
>> 
>> I don't see any DIY kits out there in SMT.. they are all still TH.
>> 
>> The size is nice, a 35% reduction  and SMT parts are more
>> prevalent..stuffing houses love SMT...but I am about to rip up the
>> whole layout and go back to TH.
>> 
>> Opinions?
>> 
>> Mike
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