Interesting idea of using blu-tak. We use blu-tack to prevent
optic short (from LED emitter to photo diode receiver).

Is "Solder-Wick" a brand? We use Hako (or Hakko?) 936 soldering 
station so we are using "Hako Wick" soldering braid. It is not
bad. We are also using Hako 850 to blow away small components.
Solder wicks are really a must-have. Flux can help as well
for small SSOP/MSOP components.

I think 0805/0603/0402 and SOIC, SSOP and SOT stuff are not
so difficult after some trying. Magnifying glass or
microscope can help sometimes. To solder MLP/QFN parts are
really difficult. We normally use the Hako 850 to try
and use the microscope to check. So far I only managed to
solder three ICs and one failed. I used flux to help
but two months the other one failed. Luckily we only need
to deal with this in very few cases.

Regards,
Xiaofan
----------------------------------------------
Xiaofan Chen
R&D Engineer, Photoelectric Sensor Development
Pepperl+Fuchs Singapore
http://www.pepperl-fuchs.com
Signals for the world of automation
--------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Harrison
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 4:30 PM
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [EE] Soldering smaller parts (SSOP, SOT, etc).

...
For braiding off excess solder, one method to minimise heat is to 
hold a loop of  braid over the iron bit and then touch the braid/iron 
combination onto the pad. "Soder-Wick" brand is the only braid worth using. 
There is s HUGE difference between good and bad solder braid. 

...

A screwdriver with a blob of blu-tak on the end makes a good substitute 
for a vacuum pick-up tool.

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist