Quoting Mike Harrison <mike@whitewing.co.uk>:

>
> If you have a steady hand I can't really see the point of a manual   
> P&P, except maybe for large PCBs
> - even then it wouldn't be hard to make  a simple jig with an   
> overhanging hand-rest

I tend to agree.



> You could also make a simple tape holder, or buy something like this :
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320483604589&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Any decent manual PnP machine will come with some reel holders.  I've  
been meaning to make one of these, but as always -- it's on the  
project list somewhere.


> For chip parts, you can often flip parts with a sharp tap on the   
> bench to make them jump,.

I do that when components are on the table (on a piece of old paper).   
Tapping the paper will flip a bunch over, then I use those, and tap  
again.  However, I was referring to the manual PnP machines that have  
a carousel with compartments for these loose components -- there's no  
easy way to flip those.


> Decent used kit probabably holds value reasonably well though.

Even good brands like Essemtec don't.  There's one on Ebay currently  
for a *high* price of $2K plus, and he's been trying to sell it for  
over 6 months now.  I guarantee you he paid over $10K for this.  And I  
don't see this as holding value reasonably well.


> Absolutely, as long as you have space and a wide doorway.
> I recently looked a DIYing a P&P from an old XY plotter, but found I  
>  can get an old used P&P machine
> cheap enough to not be worth the bother

The older Juki's seems to be more compact, as are the Manncorp  
machines (though again, their feeders are very expensive).  I measured  
and my 32" doorway was no problem.  Don't buy a Universal or Fuji if  
space is an issue.

Unfortunately, used desktop machines don't come by easily.

Cheers,
-Neil.



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