Up until oh…six months ago, I was ready to go through life without having learned how to solder SMD components. I was happy and content with throughhole and my Hakko.  But then my heart board came along and with it, the requirement of SMD and rework.  And I had to learn because I didn’t want to wait on anyone else haha (much like how I got into programming!)

The basic tools:

Really good pair of tweezers for handling the small SMD components (I stick to 0805 package type): http://www.aventools.com/Default.aspx?PageID=15154290&A=SearchResult&SearchID=2261293&ObjectID=15154290&ObjectType=1

Solder Paste: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/SMD291AX10/SMD291AX10-ND/2057271 - Double bag it and keep it in the fridge until you need it!  I have used the same tube for the past…half year and will probably use it for another year. This lasts a long time.

Solder Paste Tips: http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?WT.z_header=search_go&lang=en&site=us&keywords=kds22tn25-nd&x=0&y=0&formaction=on The tip that comes with the above product is too small, so you’ll want to get these tips. Switch out the tips and bam.

Toaster Oven for Reflowing: We use a Black and Decker 1500 Watt Toaster Oven - Convection Countertop Oven.  @ajfabio also uses a Black and Decker CTO4500S Perfect Broil Convection Toaster Oven.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-CTO4500S-Perfect-Convection/dp/B001GJSMKE/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1394674123&sr=1-3&keywords=black+and+decker+convection+oven

Settings wise, we keep the temperature on the Toast function.  Under Function we keep it on Convection: Bake.  Under Timer, when we need to start reflowing, we turn it to “Stay on” and just turn it off when when we see that the solderpaste has melted.

Applying paste:

The consistency is kind of like a thick toothpaste.  And I usually hold the syringe in my hand with my thumb on the plunger.  Then carefully dole out little blobs of solder paste onto the pads. I usually cover the pad, or allow the solder paste to touch the edges of the pads, but try not to get onto the soldermask.

I’d say they put a little too much in the above picture, but it will still work.

In this picture, even though the solderpaste was “printed” onto the board, that would be about the amount you would want to place onto the pads.

Then you’ll want to carefully place your components on the board and take it to the toaster.  Set your toaster’s Timer onto “Stay on” and watch the board.  Because it’s a convection oven, you’ll see the solder dry (become a white-ish color) and then melt in sequence.  So you’ll see the wave of heat essentially melt the solder and make it shiny.  

When the last blob of solder has reflowed, then I carefully take it out, making sure to not jar the board since the solder may still be in liquid form.  Set it on the counter, let it cool and voila!

@atdiy/@tymkrs