[DSP-10] Bench setup

[Richard C. Bandla]

John,
One of the most valuable tools I have for working on surface mount is a box
of toothpicks. I use the round ones because they're a little stiffer, and
cut one end off with an exacto knife then sand the remaining toothpick flat
on a piece of sandpaper lying on the table. I found I use the flat end more
than the pointy end. For me, (also well into the 50's) I find the
toothpicks are very good to hold the components in place while you touch
the board with the iron. I use a cheap weller variable heat iron (red stand
with spring holder - cost $39 here in Canada) set for below halfway. Buy
fine rosin core or equiv solder and a small quantity of liquid flux is
really helpful. I use a toothpick to dip into a little flux then touch the
tip of the toothpick to the pad. The solder really flows nicely with this
extra help. You need very little to do a great job.
=20
An exacto knife is very helpful to move components and open strips of
resistors or caps. Exacto knife can also be used to scrape the enamel of
wire, if yours is the type that needs to be scraped off. Take one component
at a time. I only lost 1 cap which sprung out when I opened the strip.
Never found it again but had a spare.

I built my board while it was sitting inside a white sweater box (about 18"
x 12"). I let the sides bend while I'm working etc. but nothing falls out
and its easy to spot components that you pop out of a strip. Also keeps my
tools within reach and very visible.

I use a similar bright lamp and drugstore cheapie reading glasses -
strongest that you can find. I use the half moons so I can see over them
when reaching for stuff.

I actually built my radio on a ping pong table because it was a good height
and big enough to lay everything out on and leave it there. The only thing
I was worried about was the cat, who was very curious about what I was up=
 to.

Hope some of these tips help. Good luck.
Rick (VE3CVG)

At 16:39 2002-03-17 -0700, you wrote:
>The DSP-10 box arrived last week. I am doing the customary inventory.
>
>I can see that I will need recommendations to update my bench.
>
>I'm looking for a new iron. Small enough to work on these SMT.=20
>Please send in your comments, Good & Bad.
>
>The big Radio Shack store closed ere in Denver and I still need a
>non-ferrous tweezers and=20
>a desk pad to work on.
>
>Being over 50, I have had the magnification lams for some time.
>
>Any other tools that anyone has found helpful?
>
>This looks to be much more of a challenge than the Elecraft K2,
>last years project.
>
>73  N=D8URE
>John

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