Beginner SMD

TchnclFl; I often do production without a stencil using 0806 parts. On one of my boards I had 6 resistors and 2 caps in a row. So I got a phone screen protector out of the packet(acetate works well too), cut off a piece that was far too big and stuck it over the pads. I then got a CD marker pen and a small ruler and drew a line across all the pads from 1 end to the other, I then peeled it off, took my scalpal and cut out the ink sections.

Now you have a basic stencil, just lay it back over the pads and squeegee the paste over. The plastic retains its stickyness for around 15 boards(but can still be used afterwards, just need to hold it yourself). Then I place the parts and throw them in the oven :slight_smile: