> Is there a good way to hold discrete components/jumpers in place
> while soldering, so that they won't be impossible to remove if needed?

        Just bend the pins slightly, on an IC just bend two on opposite corners,
usually that is enough to hold them in. Another technique is to start with
your shallowest components and use the table to hold components in, I've
used both methods.

> How can I keep the insulation on jumper wires that touch or cross
> over each other from melting.

        If you are melting the insulation either your iron is WAY to hot or you
have the iron on too long.

> Making a few solder bridges across .1" spaced pads would make
> things a little easier. Any tricks to making good solder bridges
> on the first attempt?

        I usually use a small piece of resistor lead, tack solder it on one side,
solder the other, then finish the first joint.

> Any other tips/tricks are welcome

        Only tip I can give is to practice, noone I know was "good" on their early
tries, I'm only a good solderer since I've been doing it for almost 20
years! TTYL

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