Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

I have made some printed circuit boards using common components
requiring drilling. I would like to start using some simple surface
mount resistors, capacitors, and transistors to reduce drilling and
reduce space. I am wondering about the best techinque to use these
devices on boards.

I did a bit of experimenting with a board using some 1206 size
resistors and it seems that using these components will be quite a
useful addition to board construction.

One recommendation I heard was to use just a small bit of glue to hold
the components in place, then once all places come back and solder
them all. I tried this and it did work, but I have some concern about
the stability of the glue over time and how this might impact long
term reliablity.

I also tried just holding a resistor in place with some tweezers and
soldering them. This also worked but obviously requires an extra hand.

I would like to know what sort of techniques people use to place
these. I also see mention of using flux paste and I am wondering if
this is solder bearing paste. Does this hold a component in place such
that it won't simply adhear to the tip of the soldering iron?