ATMEGA1280... sorry i wasn't clear.
I have no problems with soldering throughole and the larger surface mounted parts but i do not feel confident to solder a ?10-15 ATMEGA1280.
Jeroen
edit: programming the bootloader will not be a problem as i have a stk500 board from atmel with various programming options.
edit 2: the arduino draws 700mA at 12V. Strange there isn't any smoke coming out... :-?