Homebrew PCBs

"Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...> writes:
> The pads are far too small for single sided boards

It works both ways.  I have a set of footprints I use for home-brew
that have SMALLER smt pads than the "professional" size, because I
know how my system works and smaller helps me position the parts (ex:
LEDs) more accurately, not to mention not wasting space.

I also usually do my own TSOP and TQFP that have less copper (length)
under the chip, to avoid shorts where they're harder to fix.

> At least all decent PCB packages allow to change pad size after the
> fact when the part is placed. Eagle does not, of course, i hate it.

PCB does, and I usually end up modifying about half the PTH pads for
one reason or another.