> Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:34:50 -0500
> Subject: [EE] Cheap rework station?
> From: nathanpiclist@gmail.com
> To: piclist@mit.edu
>=20
> I recently made my first electronics board with SMT components and
> found that I really liked working with them. The TQFP package was kind
> of a pain to solder, though, and I know it would be really difficult
> to solder LFCSP/LGA/QFN (no leads) packages. I would like to be able
> to solder these packages because a lot of sensors like accelerometers
> and gyroscopes use them and instead of paying $20-$50 for an
> evaluation board, I could make one myself for a few bucks. So I'm
> considering purchasing a hot air rework station.
>=20
> As I'm a student, I can't afford to purchase a name-brand station.
> I've been looking at the Aoyue 968:
>=20
> http://hackaday.com/2009/02/20/tools-aoyue-968-3-in-1-soldering-and-rewor=
k-station/
> http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-968-Digital-Rework-Station/dp/B000HDG0AO
>=20
> Has anyone had any experience with Aoyue products, or this station in
> particular?
>=20
> I would like to hear any advice you might have, thanks!
> --=20

I have a couple different hot-air rework tools I've purchased from Madell (=
not be confused with Matel).  Works fine.  Their stereo microscope on a dou=
ble arm boom is probably among the best tool investments I've ever made.

I have also used a household electric skillet for smt soldering and desolde=
ring of leadless parts but not BGAs.  Also worked fine but a bit fiddly.

I have a modified toaster oven I use for some SMT soldering if have lots of=
 parts to deal with or more than just a few boards to make.  Works quite we=
ll.=20

You can get polyester film solder paste screens made quite cheaply but with=
 the limitation on minimum pad size.  Stainless steel screens are also reas=
onable, if not a bit more expensive.  But last longer and can have much sma=
ller pad sizes.  Solder cream (paste), squeegees, pneumatic applicators are=
 all available.  The pneumatic applicator I have is used (brand escapes me =
right now) and was relatively cheap, less than $100.  But I spent at least =
that much in plumbing and tubing to get it working again. =20

Rob
 		 	   		 =20
--=20
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