It looks like I am going to have to step up to a commercial SMT soldering
solution for an upcoming project.  This is for low-volume prototype assembly
and rework.

Most of the discussion on this board seems to be related to hot air systems
like http://www.zephyrtronics.com/home.html.

The instructor at the local community college where I am taking assembly
classes prefers a contact system like Metcal, which is what I am using in
class.

I don't have enough experience to have a preference of my own yet.  What are
the advantages / disadvantages of each?  Do you need more information from
me to answer?

This equipment is coming out of my profit margin so cost matters, but I
don't want to be stupid-cheap.  I'd like to get something that will work
well for a variety of future projects.

Thanks for your comments.

-- Al

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