Homebrew PCBs

Dylan Smith wrote:
>  
> 
> 
> El 02-ago-09, a las 11:31, Stefan Trethan escribi\ufffd:
> 
>  > Not really, for $50. What you definitely need if you want any sort of
>  > consistency is electronic temperature control and adjustabe air
>  > volume.
> 
> I get consistent results from a $30 electric paint stripping gun.
> Plenty of air, but not too much to blow away 0603 sized parts. Works
> very well for desoldering high pin count components too (such as DIP
> 40).
> 


There are two variables that control temperature. One is distance from 
the nozzle and the other is heater element power. Sure you can control 
distance with cheap heat gun, but from experience its far safer to hold 
the nozzle relatively close and rely on temperature control. Large TQFP 
ICs should reflow shortly after the smaller 0603's begin to reflow. 
Maybe your $30 gun so happens to be at just the right power level.