Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eeks Sdfgvbsdfgggggggg" <eeks123@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:20 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] starting with SMD


hi all, i'm new on this list :) i want to jump from through-hole to SMD and 
i see there are a lot new things you have to deal with!

is it easier/cheapier to solder with a hot air gun or with a modified cheap 
oven?

if you have SSOP and that kind of small ic's you have to use soldermask to 
avoid a big soldermess don't you? well, you only have to buy a cheap 
laminator (20-30?) and get some dry-film soldermask, expose it, cure it and 
voila, doesn't seem to be very complicated

do you buy solderpaste in any electronic component store or do you have to 
buy it online in a US store like digikey? (i'm in europe and the problem 
with soldermask is you have to keep it cool)

are there any hints for a SMD-newbie or typical errors you do when starting?

I don't have any problems soldering SSOPs on my home-made PCBs, without a 
solder-mask, using my soldering iron with a mini-hoof tip for 
drag-soldering.

Leon