Solder Squeegee

[Seph.b]

I have been doing my SMD stuff with a cheap reflow oven for some time now and want to start using stencils.

I have my first stencil in and have a jar of solder paste on order, but I can't seem to find the tool to spread the paste. I find lots of small ones for BGA stuff, but not big ones to do a whole board in one pass.

This first board is probably 2 1/2" inches wide.

I am guessing most things from the hardware store would not work great.

Anyone have any suggestions or links for me?

Thanks.

[grifftech]

old credit/gift card

[Seph.b]

old credit/gift card

That is what I was going to use until a got a proper tool. Will that really work in the long run?

Also what do people use to clean up their stencil? Just rubbing alcohol?

[BBBbbb]

If you don't have a card to spare these are cheap and can be useful:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2057872.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=10pcs+Plastic+Card+Pry+Opening+&_sacat=0

Usually IPA or acetone for cleaning.

[jmelson]

I use a piece of .025" brass shim stock, and have been using it for about 10 years.  Works great.  I got a shower squeegee at Ikea and it also works.  I was thinking about buying half a dozen of them and cutting them down to different sizes to match different boards, but haven't done it yet.

Jon