Anyone knows how to operate a solder tray?

[bioroids]

Hi!

Like this one: http://www.smtsolutions.com.ar/solder_tray_en.htm

I'm thinking of getting one, apparently it can do some simple SMT jobs, but I'm afraid the "immerse in hot solder" approach will damage the chips. For through-hole components it should work OK.

If it works OK, I may be able to take soldering jobs for extra cash and maybe start a growing industry here. And of course I can lower the cost of my own pedals!

Luck

Miguel

[zjokka]

you probably melt a whole lot of solder in the tray,
cut component lead to exact and same size
and then dope the protruding leads in the bath.

think it's only handy when you have to do dozens of boards; putting a joint doesn't really take long by hand

do watch out because
"When raising it all the terminals and islands will have been left soldiers."

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Unless you are going into mass production, that looks overkill... 1.5 KW will keep you warm in winter, though!
And don't forget, you will have to glue down all your surface mount parts... and this device is lead based, so your RoHS parts (probably all you can get soon) won't like it...

[Meanderthal]

left soldiers

Now there's a frightening concept...

[bioroids]

left soldiers

Now there's a frightening concept...

Lol, I think they made some mistakes on the translation

Unless you are going into mass production, that looks overkill... 1.5 KW will keep you warm in winter, though!
And don't forget, you will have to glue down all your surface mount parts... and this device is lead based, so your RoHS parts (probably all you can get soon) won't like it...

Very good points, I think I'll pass on this for now. And also I don't have the space/ventilation to use it properly.
On the other hand, that pick-and-place machine is a must for every DIYer

Regards

Miguel