NOT another "which soldering station?" thread - but related

[ags0000]

So, I've read the hundreds (literally) of posts on soldering stations. I've narrowed down my choice to two, either of which I'm sure will be fine for my needs. I will also order some fine conical replacement tips, tip cleaner, and 0.032-0.028" 63/37 solder. Thanks to all those that offered their opinion and experience on the topic.

The question for me now is "how do I make soldering easier, more efficient?". Until now, my not-temperature-controlled soldering pencil and iron were enough. However, I just finished adding a 40-pin double-row 0.1" pitch module and wire jumpers to a protoboard (the capacitance of my solderless breadboard caused my prototype to malfunction, so I needed to hardwire it). It took me far too long. I read that mrpackethead states he can solder a 64 LQFP device in under a minute. How do you do that? I've read that some use foam pads, others the PanaVise holders. I've read that rubber bands or tape are needed to keep parts from falling off when the board is turned over for soldering. Is it worth having a holder if the bands/tape are then needed? I've noticed that it's difficult for me to see what I'm doing, even with just 0.1" pitch. Do you use a post-mounted large magnifying glass, or is there something that you wear (like a jeweler might use) for magnification? I always seem to need another hand (or two). Is that poor technique on my part or do I look at a helping hands-type unit?

Basically, beyond the new temperature-controlled soldering station with fine point tip, and practice & experience, how can I make my board building more efficient?

Thanks.

[g2ktcf]

I use a jeweler type visor with leds on the sides for additional light.

[dmcole]

I have been known to use the aforementioned rubber bands and tape ... I've also used (horror! the horror!) cyanoacrylate (aka Super Glue, aka Crazy Glue), especially on things I might not otherwise screw up (i.e.: IC sockets).

I have a Panavise, but it's the small one (3.5"?), so for bigger boards, I've taken to using a silicon mat (I believe the wife has complained recently that one of the mats she bought to bake cookies on seems to have disappeared), which has enough non-skid on both sides that through-hole components will stay in place while being soldered.

As far as eyeware goes, I tried drug-store cheaters to no avail (except producing a headache); I have found that with my most recent prescription (I've been near-sighted all my life, with hyperopia over the last decade or so), that if I just take off my glasses completely I can see the work better; YMMV.

I have yet to have built a board with SMD, so I'm no help there.

HTH.

\dmc

[Wayne J]

I say don't worry about your speed, just make sure the quality is there. Give yourself time to build the boards at a comfortable pace. So many threads about "my board don't work, whats wrong" and 90% or more of them is because of bad solder joints and I would almost bet more than half of them were because the builder was excited and just plain in a hurry.

[Skunberg]

So, I've read the hundreds (literally) of posts on soldering stations. I've narrowed down my choice to two, either of which I'm sure will be fine for my needs. I will also order some fine conical replacement tips, tip cleaner, and 0.032-0.028" 63/37 solder. Thanks to all those that offered their opinion and experience on the topic.

The solder you mention is great! But some .015-.020 is nice sometimes for smaller stuff.

The question for me now is "how do I make soldering easier, more efficient?". Until now, my not-temperature-controlled soldering pencil and iron were enough. However, I just finished adding a 40-pin double-row 0.1" pitch module and wire jumpers to a protoboard (the capacitance of my solderless breadboard caused my prototype to malfunction, so I needed to hardwire it). It took me far too long. I read that mrpackethead states he can solder a 64 LQFP device in under a minute. How do you do that? I've read that some use foam pads, others the PanaVise holders. I've read that rubber bands or tape are needed to keep parts from falling off when the board is turned over for soldering. Is it worth having a holder if the bands/tape are then needed? I've noticed that it's difficult for me to see what I'm doing, even with just 0.1" pitch. Do you use a post-mounted large magnifying glass, or is there something that you wear (like a jeweler might use) for magnification? I always seem to need another hand (or two). Is that poor technique on my part or do I look at a helping hands-type unit?

MrPackethead also said that was after lots of practice. For the tools above I use all of them. The post mounted mag I use just the light sometimes. I also use a 4 inch hand held mag. Even with all this stuff it seems another hand would be nice. Doing a bunch of the same item makes them go faster each one.

Basically, beyond the new temperature-controlled soldering station with fine point tip, and practice & experience, how can I make my board building more efficient?

Thanks.

Boils down to practice, practice and more practice. You'll be surprised how quickly you get smarter and faster after say 16 EZssr's

Brian

[Matt_Edwards]

Good light is always important. It is best to have the light behind you to left or right so it doesn't reflect back at your eyes.
I too use a head magnifying visor with LEDs.
Most of the boards have great instructions, following them is a good start ( sorry if this sounds odd).
I generally start with the lowest compnenets first.


More practice will help over time, wanting to be an efficient board stuffer instantly is not really an option.

[ags0000]

Would someone offer where to find a selection of magnifying visors w/ lights, good quality & fair price?

[SteveMaris]

Would someone offer where to find a selection of magnifying visors w/ lights, good quality & fair price?

These are the ones I have and work great.

http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=18336+TL

[ags0000]

@SteveMaris: That looks good. I'll give them a try. Thanks!

[mlkren]

These are the ones I have and work great.

http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=18336+TL

Those look great and affordable, I just need to add a few more items to the basket since the shipping is almost twice the price of the magnifier. Thanks for the tip. :p

[CaptKirk]

Free shipping here with multiple lenses. The LED light is a little iffy, but the lenses and adjustable headband works really well. I regularly change around the lenses on mine.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/led-headlamp-with-5-set-magnifier-glasses-2823