On Wed, 2009-07-22 at 15:40 -0400, solarwind wrote: > On Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 3:26 PM, Herbert Graf wrote: > > Use a cheap drill press. > > > > Other then that, use SMT parts as much as possible, nothing better then > > not even having to drill holes in the board. > > And I suppose certain parts can be MADE to be surface mount? For > example, bend the pins on a DIP package, bend the pins on though hole > resistors, capacitors and so on? Absolutely, if that's your fancy. Personally I'd just stock up on large SMT components, i.e. 1206 size resistors and caps. For ICs many of the newer better ones now are only available in SMT, so your choice is often made for you. The only area I'd steer clear is anything mechanical. Things like DB9 connectors and such should still be through hole. While SMT alternatives exist for many off board connectors the extra strength through hole gives you is worth it IMHO. TTYL -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist