Homebrew PCBs

Thinking "inside the box" what would requiere to build a small and simple HASL machine?

-A small tank of stainless steel, one from a kitchen supply store will do

-Heating element, the easiest part, a spare part for a electric grill or similar

-Thermostat and PT100, this should cost less than $100

-Air knife, may be built from an electric blower and some tubing

-The insertion mechanism is something i didnt figure it out yet, but a rod with an alligator clamp should work

-Some solder bars

Am I missing something? 
Did anybody work with a profesional machine and can throw some ligth?



--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Sparber"  wrote:
>
> ST,
> 
> I failed to mention that I am using plumber's solder paste and paint the
> board using an old tooth brush. I tried reflowing the paste with my hot air
> gun but it didn't seem to matter. The brush put it on thin enough. 
> 
> The SMD paste contains tiny specs of solder so it is not the same as
> plumber's paste. It would be cool if there was a way to take 1/8" diameter
> solder and grind it up into tiny particles. Then it could be mixed with
> plumber's paste and used to coat the board. Heat the board in a toaster oven
> and it would be coated. Then wash to remove excess flux.
> 
> Rick
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of Stefan Trethan
> Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2013 7:01 AM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] No HASL
> 
> You can use plumbing solder paste (with flux) and paint the board with it.,
> then you heat the board with hot air or a hotplate..
> The paste can be thinned with water to make it easier to apply, and it is
> much cheaper than SMD paste.
> Excess paste in bare areas and flux just washes off with hot water.
> 
> There will be lumps if you apply too much or unevenly, in that case
> carefully wipe it off with a paper towel wad while molten.
> 
> ST
> 
> 
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