Homebrew PCBs

Shhhh, shhhh, don't say that!
I've been preparing them the last few weeks that we _need_ more SMD
tools, you can't go around saying things like "not necessary" ;-)

I know it can be done with the tools you mentioned (i have pretty much
the same list just other brands), but regularly we need like 5 to 10
prototypes at once and it's more and more SMD parts every time, and
they get smaller too. That can easily be a day or more of soldering.
At least a pneumatic paste dispenser is a must, applying it by hand
with the syringe is hard work if you try doing it for a long time. And
the hot air gun is really not ideal for reflow either.


ST

On 8/21/07, pgdion1 <pgdion1@...> wrote:
> I've been doing rework for years and although hot air is nice, it's
> not necessary for small builds and proto-types. I use a temp
> controlled Weller iron and I have an older Pace rework (de-soldering)
> station that still comes in handy for SMD (sucks pretty much all the
> solder off the pads). Some solder wick is also handy to clean things
> up. A soldering tweezer tip (Like Talon) is also very useful. Brand of
> iron is pure personal preference. We have Met-Cals and Wellers at my
> work. Some guys swear by Met-Cal, I prefer Weller (as do some others)
> and hence it's what I have at home.A decent heat gun (Ungar, with the
> small nozzles) & flux is the only other items in my arsenal. For
> inspection I have a good magnifying glass and several Jewelers Loupes
> (5x, 10x, 20x). That with good lighting is all I need. A Micro-scope
> would be a nice plus though.
>