Soldering up a PCB using through hole components can be sped up by using the following process. #1 You want to solder up several PCBs. #2 Out of old PCB material, cut a piece the same side as the board you want to assemble in #1. #3 - Cut a piece of 1/2" foam the same size as in #2.
Use double sided tape to stick the foam onto the board in #2 #4 Get some 1/2" aluminum channel from Home Depot and cut off 2 to 4 one inch pieces. #5 Take a second work board (as in #1), add 4 standoffs to the mounting holes. Add set screws to the tops of the stand offs. #6 Insert your work PCB onto the set screws in #5. #7 - Insert all your lowest through hole components (resistors diodes etc.) onto the work PCB in #6
Put the foam card in #3 on top of the work PCB.
Compress the foam down and add the aluminum channel pieces. #8 Solder the components and cut off all leads. #9 As before but this time add all your I.C.s #10 Solder all your I.C. pins.
. . .
Repeat as needed.
If you are doing only one PCB then a device like this is useful (made by Weller).
In #2 you capture your through hole components with the movable arm (has foam pad on it).
In #3 you rotate the (k)nob ( ) to expose the bottom side for soldering.
My Grip arrived about a week ago. Unfortunately I don't have anything to assemble. But I should in about a month. If anyone is interested I will report back after I've used it.
There have been a few reports of minor problems. The Grid folks were very quick to provide replacement parts.
I did assemble it. That went well.
You should add a foam hand to your grip.
Great minds think alike.
That's my plan. When I first looked over their videos that idea popped into my head. I'm hoping to find a foam (or reasonable substitute) that can survive the the heat. That way I don't have to be so concerned about shortest-to-tallest. Huh. I wonder if sand in a linen bag would work. Or something like a contour gauge. Or a pin art toy.
After soldering 100s of PCBs and useing only regular 1/2" foam never had any problems with melting.
Never tried it but may be a soft natural brush might work also.
I use a Shurline brush when making PCBs to speed up the etching process.
It has brush filaments on a bed of foam maybe try it.
Buy them at HomeDepot.
Edit:
Had my wife sew 1 - 1/2 cups of tapioca in a cotton bag.
Use it as a self forming weight when adding components to material.
) to expose the bottom side for soldering.
