My Startup SMD Equipment [Crosspost]

[sentry7]

Sorry for the crosspost, I put it in Beginners and thought it would be better suited here.

Anyway, I finally had time enough to sit down and finalize my "cart": stuff I'm getting to start my SMD workbench. Here's what I got so far.

• Hakko FX888D Soldering Station
• YIHUA 858D Hot Air Rework Station
• 0.3mm 63/37 Rosin Core 1.2% Solder
• 1.5m 2mm Desolder Wick
• Kester 951 Flux Pen
• Kester EP256 63/37 Lead Solder Paste
• ESD Tweezers / Forceps
• Desoldering Pump / Sucker
• 10X Headset Magnifier

I need to find out whether the tips for the Hakko 936 are compatible with the FX888D, but other than that, here's what I have. Any suggestions?

[hamster_nz]

If you want a box of SMD bits to play with, I can strongly recommend http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Open-Parts-LibraryBasic-V2-p-1560.html - the contents list is here : http://www.seeedstudio.com/document/pdf/OPL%20Basic.pdf

You can also buy bags of single parts too - http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/OPLopen-parts-library-catalog-c-136_138 - For example a bag of 10 x DS1307ZN costs $10 - they are about $4.50 per unit on Digikey NZ.

The good thing is that Seeed also supply a library for use in Eagle.

[skyjumper]

I like to work on an anti static soldering mat. They can be a bit pricy though.

[mskobier]

Sentry7,
    I would also recommend a pair of SMD soldering/desoldering tweezers. This is the type that is actually two soldering irons in a tweezer type frame. Sure makes removal of smd resistors/capacitors/diodes, or any other two contact device. You can even get wider tips for removal of SOIC chips. The cheap pair I have made quick work of removing several smd resistor/capacitors on a board I worked on recently.

Mitch

[dadler]

I just upgraded from the FX-888D to the FX-951 and could not be happier. The "sleep" option is great and the tip is back up to operating temperature by the time I am actually soldering. It's much easier to change the set temperature, as it has actual up/down buttons.

It also seems to maintain more consistent tip temperature vs the 888D. I zeroed the temp offset calibration and with a little solder wetting of my thermocouple tip, I measured 680.1F with a set temp of 680F. Haven't tried measuring the temperature during actual soldering, but I am certainly better able to maintain consistency with this iron vs the 888D.

The integration of the tip and heating element does increase the cost of the tips, but I like the benefits. It's much faster to swap tips, and the include a cute tip holder with the 951.

I still have my 888D as a backup, and for cases when I need two irons at the same time (happens periodically in SMD work, especially when desoldering).

Just thought I'd mention the option.