I started soldering SMT parts about 18 months ago.  I bought an Edsyn 951SX
soldering station.  It has a base with a temperature dial and a small wand
for soldering.  It was about $125.  I bought the smallest spade bit that was
an option where I bought it (can't remember where right now) and that's what
I use for the 0805's, 1606's, SOT23's, and SOIC's chips that I work with.  I
have not tried any chips smaller than the SOIC's.

I prefer working with SMT now.

I have one of those shovel bits that Colin mentioned but have not used it
because I found that its easy without it.  I only do prototype work, though.
I don't know yet if my work will withstand the test of time.

--BobG

-----Original Message-----
From: pic microcontroller discussion list [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On
Behalf Of dr. Imre Bartfai
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 5:30 AM
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: [EE]: SMT soldering

Hello All,

I need to solder SMT parts (0805, SOT23, SOIC etc.) occasionally. However,
in the catalogue of Farnell what I found soldering irons with tips which
seem to be appropriate for the said parts are called as
desoldering/reworking tools. My question is: are these nice things not
capable to solder SMT parts at all? If really not, how could I do the job?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Imre

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