Homebrew PCBs

On Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:04:31 +0200, derekhawkins <eldata@...> wrote:

>> Use paste and reflow it

> Waste of time for an IC like that unless you're reflowing all
> components. And reflowing all components (a whole board) without
> soldermask is a disaster waiting to happen.

That's just hot air. (forgive the pun).

Even a single IC with 8 pins is quicker reflow-soldered than iron soldered.

Reflowing without soldermask is no problem at all as long as you  
understand what you are doing and observe some rules when routing the  
board.

As soon as you have a thermal pad or leadless package the iron is out  
anyway...

I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy a hot air tool to reflow a single IC if  
it can be iron soldered as well, but if you have the tools anyway there is  
no reason at all not to solder these things like they were meant to be  
soldered.

ST