Any electronic tech's here? Or SMD experts?

[Clinth]

I'm looking for recommendation on a SMD rework station or other hot air setup. I've looked on eBay but don't know enough about what to look for whom to stay away from. I'm looking to spend $250ish. Any suggestions or tips on what I should look for.

I've been doing allot of SMD work with a torch lighter and just tired of using it, it works fine but figure since it looks like I?m going to continue doing SMD work weekly I'd better step up and get something a little better.


Thanks,
Clinth

 

[Demon-Xanth]

What are you trying to rework?

For most small parts I just use a soldering iron.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I just took a flip through a catalog, the cheapest one was $900. The average price was $1800+attachments.

 

[Clinth]

I rework tons of stuff from small 74lv27, AMD 29lv16, too larger Sony chips in comb filters(about the size of ram chips), and pretty much every thing in between. an Iron even a good one would take to long and to much heat to get all the pins ready for the chip to fall of, or risk damaging the pins/ pad to remove 1 at a time(lift a trace off a board 1 time and have to run wrap wire to replace it, fun..NOT). I use an my staion to install the chips back in place just fine. just looking for a better removal solution.

Ya, I figured tips would be extra, What brand were they?

Clinth

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Looks like you'll just have to either bite the bullet or get in on a going out of buisness sale.

 

[NutBucket]

A handheld reflow unit will not work very well. We have Pace setups here at work and the air reflow pencil just doesn't do a whole heck of a lot. For taking chips off there's this solder that has a low melting point. Basically you combine it with the solder that's holding the chip on and what'll happen is the solder will remain molten long enough for you to heat up all the pins and pop the chip right off without damaging it. Works great. The sample I have in front of me is from Emulation Technology.

http://www.1800adapter.com I think Digikey carries this.

product

 

[Clinth]

I've seen the quick chip but never used it maybe I'll give it a try.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Clinth
I've seen the quick chip but never used it maybe I'll give it a try.

We use it at work. I saw it a trade show and was really impressed. I guarantee it works as advertised. Just make sure to use plenty of flux.

 

[Clinth]

Thanks for the heads up on that. Its always been one of those things I say and was thinking Ya right.

Clinth

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: Clinth
I rework tons of stuff from small 74lv27, AMD 29lv16, too larger Sony chips in comb filters(about the size of ram chips), and pretty much every thing in between. an Iron even a good one would take to long and to much heat to get all the pins ready for the chip to fall of, or risk damaging the pins/ pad to remove 1 at a time(lift a trace off a board 1 time and have to run wrap wire to replace it, fun..NOT). I use an my staion to install the chips back in place just fine. just looking for a better removal solution.

Ya, I figured tips would be extra, What brand were they?

Clinth

what package are those components? (pin count)
Metcal makes tips for removing IC's....I've seen ones the size of memory chips before. They work pretty slick

 

[FrustratedUser]

Weller makes some great stuff. Can't give a specific part number but do a search. They have all kinds of solder tips for SMD.

 

[Clinth]

pin count from 8, 16, 24, 100

Clinth

 

[prvteye2003]

Any electronic tech's here? Or SMD experts?

Is this a trick question? Look at where you're posting!

 

[Clinth]

AAH yes, but some people just play a little.... Some are on the ragged edge.... How do you remove SMD chip sets?