Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "mdgolfbum" <jim@j...> wrote:
> Is there a website that describes rules for layout that will ensure 
> adequate spacing for pick and place machines?
> 
> I'm doing a few by hand but if the project is successful I might 
> have a shot a selling a thousand or so. Can't see myself sitting in 
> the basement soldering finelines that long...
> 
> tnx
> jtm


I am in the same boat.

I have about 10 boards with smt parts that I would like to get done.  
The next bunch will hopefully be 100 boards and then after that, 
1,000 boards.

I did a little checking and found one guy who will do boards for 
something about 25 cents per SMT part and 75 cents per thru-hole 
part.  yup, a resistor is a thru-hole and yes, I pay 2 cents for them 
too.


did more checking...

Outsource to China and the price structure changed to $200 set-up, 
$250 engineering charge and two cents per part.  that is much better 
for the 1,000 board project than the 10 board or 100 board ones.

I also just started looking into silkscreen or template for screening 
on solder paste for toaster oven soldering.  That starts at about 
$75.00 for a metal, laser cut stencil, or I can cut the solder pads 
our of plastic with an exacto knife.  

Anyone know the thickness for solder paste ?

Alternately, a solder paste dispenser would be a great addition to 
the shop.

Dave

(Ballendo, is your e-mail working yet ?  I've sent you some responses 
to your questions, but have not heard back)