Homebrew PCBs

On Fri, 02 Dec 2005 22:42:23 +0100, shollzc <shollz@...> wrote:

> Hey guys, I found this group a few days ago and really like it.  it
>
> seems to be a little difficult to navigate through since I am used to
>
> a "Forum Layout"


I reckon most use it as a mailgroup, the web interface sucks...

> 1.  Where is the best place to get some solder paste and a fine needle
>
> syringe for smt components.  And do you thnk I should make a reflow
>
> oven or just use a hot air solder station to mount components.

The needle isn't actually fine, it's rather large, and ideally short.
Not easy to find those tips actually, but often the come with the syringe  
with paste. Luer taper plastic pipette tips work too, they are conical in  
shape not a steel tube, and much cheaper and easier to get.

Hot air is fine. A oven will be better for small series and very regular  
work, so you can just pop it in and not think about it. But for the odd  
board now and then hot air is OK.


> 2.  As far as tinning goes, what seems to be the best bang for the
>
> buck?  Tinnit, Cool-amp, or solder paste reflow.  What kind of solder
>
> paste do you use for tinning and where do I get it?  Also what do you
>
> reflow it with?  Heat gun, or oven?

Plumbing solder paste seems to me the most reasonable at the moment. It's  
cheaper than SMD paste (doesn't work for SMD). You get it at shops where  
you buy tools to solder copper plumbing, like DIY or tools stores. Both  
hot air and oven works.


ST