J4D wroteI actually perform all SMD work using a fine tip temperature controlled soldering station, iron. Not with hot air.
That is because not regularly do i have something SMD between my hands. But i have placed and replaced countless SMD chips.
You have devices that would help with SMD costing 50$ and extending to thousands. its all relative to how much work you have to do with them. Their is a moderately priced brand called aoyue, its good.
Anyhow, if you are facing any trouble currently with something, PM me some pics and info. perhaps i can help.
keep in mind that it needs a highly skilled professional to work SMD. A simple mistake and the PCB will become FUBAR.
The problem is not the skill here, it's the lack of proper equipment and currently some working space for the station. I already worked on SMD chips back in the uni lab, but the equipment was supplied by the uni. It was indead a fine tip, temperature controlled iron soldering tool used, but I remember it fuming too much, hence the question about hot air ones. How's your soldering station fairing with you when it comes to fuming? Since the PCBs I'm working with belong to medical devices, and I'm surrounded by respirators and O2 tanks, I definitely need a smoke absorber for the job.
The serious problem I'm facing now is that when I detect a malfunctioning SMD chip or component, I don't have the tool to remove it. If you're interested in becoming a freelance SMD repair specialist for the company until we get the station (i.e. I bring you the board, tell you what components need to be replaced, and you get paid for the work), PM me (of course mention how much you expect to be paid: hourly rate for handi-work, and whether you expect us to supply the components to be replaced or you replace them and we pay for them).
About Aoyue reworking stations, any local suppliers?
