Homebrew PCBs

The method I use is to tin the pad, and then use Solder Wick to remove
all the solder, leaving a nicely tinned pad. I then place the
component in position with tweasers, and use a wooden toothpick to
gentle push down vertically at the center of the component.
With a 'Dry' soldering iron tip I gently heat the pad and metalising
on the component end. There is then sufficient solder adhesion to get
one end of the  component to remain in place whilst I solder the other
end. I get good results using this method without extra flux or glue.

regards
Stewart

 
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dale Mosby" <dale@a...> wrote:
>
> 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?
>