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

----- Original Message -----
From: "niceike5" <mwood@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 8:58 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] setting up for smd


> Hello
> I'm a new member, a software developer and tinker-er. My latest
> tinkering has taken me into smd and I need to put together a small
> rework setup. I want to know what equipment I need. So far it looks
> the primary equipment is a stereo boom microscope and a good fine
> point hot air solder station.
>
> I'm thinking of picking up a second hand Leica sz4 which seems to be
> the old standard. But, I see reasonably priced Amscope units on Ebay
> and am wondering if there any good. Does anyone own an Amscope? Any
> opinions out there on a low cost scope for smd work?
>
> For a soldering station, I'm thinking of a Weller wad101 or Edsyn
> 971ha. But I want to get some opinions. Here at work, even though
> the guys do most of the rework with regular temp controlled irons.
> The consensus seems to be that a good fine point hot air iron is a
> must. Any opinions?

Metcal makes the best soldering equipment, it isn't too expensive if bought
second-hand. I use an old STSS power unit with an MX-500 handpiece and
cartridges.

Leon
--
Leon Heller
Amateur radio call-sign G1HSM
Yaesu FT-817ND and FT-857D transceivers
Suzuki SV1000S motorcycle
leon355@...
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller