Homebrew PCBs

sounds like a nice recipe :)

i too had issues w/ 1 or 2 bridges on just a tqfp-32 package and also a couple legs that didn't make contact, i think the solder paste i used needed more flux.  to fix it i laid a whole solder line over the pins and then used solder braid to clean it off - worked wonders w/ no bridges and all the legs made contact - perfect.

http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/101

hope this helps you out,
bob

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Philip Pemberton <ygroups@...> wrote:
>
> On 19/11/10 05:26, DJ Delorie wrote:
> > Couple of things to try...
> [...]
> 
> Fixed it!
> 
> I made a squeegee out of a sheet of K&S 2mm aluminium sheet (cut in 
> half), a piece of 0.001" spring steel and some M4 machine screws.
> 
> And now for the Fool's Guide to doing this (if you're as crazy as I am):
> 
>    - Cut your piece of aluminium in half. You should now have two 
> pieces, each around 5" square.
>    - Cut a strip of spring steel to the same width as your aluminium sheets.
>    - Measure the width of your spring steel. Mine was 1" wide.
>    - Measure half that distance up from the bottom of the aluminium 
> sheets, and draw a line.
>    - Draw crosses on that line one inch from each edge of the alu sheet, 
> and one cross in the middle.
>    - Drill holes where the crosses are, using a 4mm bit. Do the same for 
> both sheets. De-burr the holes and make them level with the rest of the 
> metal (hint: a countersink works wonders for this!)
>    - Stick a piece of masking tape over the edge of each sheet of alu.
>    - Insert the screws and screw them onto the nuts, but leave them 
> slightly loose (finger tight is more than enough).
>    - Insert the spring steel strip into the gap between the two sheets 
> of aluminium, on the side nearest the screws (where the masking tape 
> is). Tighten the screws with a screwdriver and bull-nose (electrician's) 
> pliers.
> 
> Now I need to figure out why I'm getting solder bridges in between my 
> QFP pads... :(
> 
> -- 
> Phil.
> ygroups@...
> http://www.philpem.me.uk/
>