Surface Mount Soldering Tools

[Clif Daniel]

We have a few devices manufactured using surface mount technology. The
devices use resistors, diodes, and transistors. I have recently found out
that we will have to try and mount the components by hand with standard
bench soldering stations. We do have some fine quality "HAKO" equipment
for soldering and desoldering, but it just doesn't seem right to me.

Could somebody offer any tips or suggestions.

How do you keep the components on the PCBoard while working on it ?
What temperatures are optimum ?

Where can I find some used or surplus SMT soldering equipment.

[BILLG63475]

I assemble surface mount boards all the time, I initially used a variable
rtemp solder station set at about 600 to 650 deg F with the appropriate
sized solder and tip! A little practice is all you need, it looks harder
than it really is! If you are going to do a lot of it, PACE inc. is a
great source for SMT soldering and rework stations. I have the top of the
line station, it costs about 3000 with some accessories, and I feel that
it is worth every cent. But if you only occasionally rework / assemble smt
boards, it would be hard to justify the cost! Any more questions, feel
free to EMAIL me, I can give you lots of info and tips on the subject if
you like.

Bill G