SMD Soldering

[AustinSchuh]

I own 2 WES-51's for SMT work. I use the 0.01" conical tips. You can angle the iron and grab the side of the part with the side of the tip. Make sure to get some water-soluable flux. It makes SMT work easy and possible.

For 2 pin parts, I like using 2 irons. Tin both pads first, and then apply flux. Then, grab each side of the part with an iron, and place the part in the solder. Done! Way easier than messing around

I wouldn't do SMT work above 700* F if at all possible. The higher the temperature, the more thermal shock on the board and the higher likelihood of damaging something. I own a board warmer http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...XncaAmOY8P8HAQ to pre-heat the board so the localized heating requirements are much lower, reducing thermal stress and making it a lot easier to solder harder parts.