Best soldering tip FYI

[larryd]

@DocStein99
If you are considering SMD devices, a hot air rework station may be your answer.

These might be of interest:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3NN7UGWYmBY 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pdGSFc7VjBE 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qJWUUK1s_G0

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/2-in-1-SMD-Soldering-Hot-Air-Rework-Station-Stand-3-Nozzle-5-Tips-852d-Iro-/172385139784?hash=item2822f47c48:g:258AAOSwHsRYDVPw 




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[INTP]

I think you just solved a problem I didn't really know I had. I always wondered why I'd clean my tip and immediately have junk on it again.

I gave the brass mesh sponge in a tin a try after the damp sponge method. Brass mesh sponge is indescribably better.

[Boardburner2]

@DocStein99
If you are considering SMD devices, a hot air rework station may be your answer.

I just get the mother in law to breath on it 

[larryd]

Yes that would work

You can get solder to quickly solidify by submitting it to the cold shoulder from the wife.

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[DocStein99]

I am NOT considering SMD.  All of those tools will not help me hold, place those tiny components.  I already have a tough enough time reading labels on DIP sized chips.

[larryd]

That's where I was, so I got a stereo microscope.
I wont be without one now.

http://www.amscope.com/3-5x-90x-simul-focal-stereo-lockable-zoom-microscope-on-dual-arm-boom-stand.html



http://www.amscope.com/144-led-lighting-direction-adjustable-microscope-ring-light-with-adapter.html




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[larryd]

@DocStein99
Hot Air soldering:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWjJ-lsUQ30



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[Boardburner2]

I am NOT considering SMD.  All of those tools will not help me hold, place those tiny components.  I already have a tough enough time reading labels on DIP sized chips.

I find a cheap USB microscope useful for this.
Placing smd components i find increasingly difficult (shakes).

I wonder how the upcoming generation and new students handle this with fewer components being available in thriough hole packages.

[larryd]

Here is a good idea to get one stable hand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iOKOnbmJXA



Edit:
In the version I made, I added a third, middle alligator clip at the center of the rod therefore there are 3 of them.
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[Boardburner2]

i use something like this.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-3-inch-vice-cdv30c/?da=1&TC=GS-040314019&gclid=COWAhveMgdACFdTNGwodrDEEsg

That has parallel jaws though, mine has a 2mm lip for sheet metal which is ideal for solderig PCBs.

Very solid  so only twitch is the soldering iron.

Better pic, but mine is better. 2 quid from a boot sale

https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/27V-Vices-Meg/27V69/V-69-2_TBI_Drill_press_vice_.jpg

[larryd]

Those are good, got one in the shop too.

A good panavise is also a nice thing to have.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=panavise&rlz=1C9BKJA_enCA713CA713&hl=en-US&prmd=isvn&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&fir=DlHmuUzVTivrFM%253A%252C7GKe0iTB2S-OXM%252C_%253BZ9yyQh5mtQp_8M%253A%252C6pGGiMzKpwEG0M%252C_%253B_P_ns-eA084uAM%253A%252CIocbmGRqPFtgLM%252C_%253BTALzZwTBt54NOM%253A%252Cxr7lY8-Nlld7BM%252C_%253BbrnmygzzUBLVkM%253A%252C5vInuSy8npVyYM%252C_%253BZt69FgDMsLxquM%253A%252CHZyUMrk8k6GiMM%252C_%253BZ1EZo9iUdZrS_M%253A%252CiA4wgppLkFGzlM%252C_%253Bp_JzQ8P-D9UZmM%253A%252C6pGGiMzKpwEG0M%252C_%253Bekw2y67qnBp_dM%253A%252CuYQC-sa58sGOBM%252C_%253BEZJNm8d0dYvv9M%253A%252CjCReC05vKai06M%252C_&usg=__8-sRjp7zosv5gcvrXNczRsDeBYc%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjRusLTjoHQAhVN7mMKHRM3BGUQsAQIYg&biw=1024&bih=748





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[DocStein99]

I use a rotisserie jig to hold circuit boards, is nice.  Has a spring to move in and out to hold the board, flips around, and holds position.  I would show a picture of it here, except the forum won't allow me to insert pictures (with ease).  I bought it at a flea market for like $5.00 and had no idea what it was until I looked it up when I got home.  It's old and indestructible.  They are rare, I've never seen one for sale on any modern electric tool supply.

[ilguargua]

I have the panavise at work, with this pcb holder :



and is indeed useful for pcb repair/rework. For assembly I have this one from Weller :



nice to own, but I have not used it so much.
Both are not so cheap, but not very expensive.


Ciao, Ale.

[larryd]

I have seen these around but have not used them:
omni vice.






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[DocStein99]

Yes, mine looks like the "panavise" on Larryd's post at the top.  I havent seen any of the other tools, they are interesting.