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

previous by date index next by date
previous in topic topic list next in topic

Subject: Re: Thru Hole to SMD transition: How to and What to get

From: qz9090@...
Date: 2014-07-29

Stefan,

>Look into getting a hot air rework station. Chinese will do.
It seems that some of the rework stations come with or without a soldering iron, is that a good thing?
Historically, I have never liked integrated components so a heat gun may seem more appropriate.

>You need small tips for the iron and multimeter.
May I ask, which sizes I should consider for the iron and multimeter tips.
I am also thinking if I don't purchase an integrated workstation, it might be good to purchase a new soldering iron.

>I won't go into recommendations since I feel anything short of JBC is not worth my while and you did not want >top of the line.
I respect that...maybe some of the other members of the group have some recommendations on Chinese branded rework stations or guns.

>Steinel heat guns are good, I believe some Sears/Craftsman in the US are Steinel OEM.
>Must have closed loop adjustable temperature control, not just two fixed power settings.
How do I determine if the device has a closed loop adjustable control?

>You may or may not need magnification, depending on eyesight.
Yep, need this too. Some times those tiny devices can be pretty hard to see.
Any recommendation...?

Thanks.