Seems I'm starting an 'at home series'. :-) On Aug 22, 2004, at 8:55 PM, Charles Lepple:
>> But "reflow soldering" is much more practical. I'm gearing up for >> that here right now. You take "solder paste" (a mix of finely >> powdered solder and flux) and apply it to SMT pads with a syringe. >At least one PCB proto house has a deal on solder stencils-- thin >sheets of metal (stainless steel, IIRC) which you place over your >board, and spread the solder paste across with a squeegee. From there, >it's just as Dave described. I believe what Charles was referring to is now: http://www.smtstencil.com/ as described here: http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorial/SMD_Printing/SMD_Printing.htm Anyone have experience with the cheap stencils or SMT Reflow Skillet, described in those pages? Now if I could only find a cheap and easy automated 'drill at home' system like: http://freeandeasy.sourceforge.net/ Might as well round out this At Home stuff with: "Low Cost SMD Soldering Guide" http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?module=dpDocs&func=index&cid=4 Anyone else have 'At Home' tips or links good for new-comers to SMT? I'm not a new comer to it, but trying to get someone else up to speed, as well has getting my own home shop up to date.
