Rolf wrote:
> Hi all.
> 
> I am contemplating SMT components for my current project. I have it all 
> wired up right now on a breadboard with through-hole parts, but the 
> compactness of SMT is appealing.
> 
> 
> Is this something that is feasable with limited resources/budget?
> 
> Is this something that is within reach of a beginner-to-intermediate 
> hobbyist?

If you already have a good soldering iron (and eyeballs) then it's 
easier.  We routinely do 0603 and larger with 40Watt Wellers here. For 
me and other "senior" folks, a head-mounted magnifier is 
handy^H^H^H^H^H^H required.

For doing your own PCB's at home, smd's require fewer holes - unless you 
are going for extreme density and end up with lots of vias.

If you have need for any 1% resistors, do yourself a favor and just make 
  all your resistors 1%.  There is no real price difference and then you 
don't need to wonder "is this a 5% 10K or a 1% 10.0K part?".

For IC's, if you can stick to .050" lead pitch or larger, you will do fine.

 > Is this something that is within reach of a beginner-to-intermediate
 > hobbyist?

The world seems to be going that way; the sooner you learn smd's, the 
better if you are going to make this your career.

Good luck!

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