help with jumping into smd

[njkmonty]

what are the general rules with smd builds?
normal  resistors for example generally use 1/4 w ( pedals basic )
but what about smd?
ive seen builds around which use 0805 resistors, but in my readings 1210's are rated 1/4w (see below wiki cut and paste)

    01005 (0402 metric): 0.016 × 0.008 in (0.41 × 0.20 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/32 watt
    0201 (0603 metric): 0.024 × 0.012 in (0.61 × 0.30 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/20 watt
    0402 (1005 metric): 0.04 × 0.02 in (1.0 × 0.51 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/16 watt
    0603 (1608 metric): 0.063 × 0.031 in (1.6 × 0.79 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/16 watt
    0805 (2012 metric): 0.08 × 0.05 in (2.0 × 1.3 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/10 watt
    1206 (3216 metric): 0.126 × 0.063 in (3.2 × 1.6 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/8 watt
    1210 (3225 metric): 0.126 × 0.1 in (3.2 × 2.5 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/4 watt
    1806 (4516 metric): 0.177 × 0.063 in (4.5 × 1.6 mm)
    1812 (4532 metric): 0.18 × 0.12 in (4.6 × 3.0 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/2 watt
    2010 (5025 metric): 0.2 × 0.1 in (5.1 × 2.5 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1/2 watt
    2512 (6432 metric): 0.25 × 0.12 in (6.3 × 3.0 mm) Typical power rating for resistors 1 watt

as this is new area for me can someone just give a bit of help in what to look out for when going smd? i gather capacitors ar basically as long as voltage rating is covered?

[Gurner]

I don't think there are 'normal' rules ....going as small as you can saves costs wrt pcb real estate needed (to large run manafacturers) but gets cumbersome to those without the right kit. (most DIYers)

I mainly work with 1206 (for both resistors & caps)  .....still small, but easily manageable.....you can also squeeze a track through the pads of a 1206 without much issue, which yields far more routing options at board layout time.

Re ratings....most stompbox stuff is very low current, so 1206 is fine....even those parts of the circuits that pull a little more current (LEDs etc)....I still use 1206 resistors.  (btw 1210 is much harder to source, and  when you do find them the cost per part is significantly higher...so I'd strike 1210 off your list).

I have 0805....but I baulk at how small they are ...and the lack of 'route a sneaky track between the pads' option which I find essential!

[lushprojects]

Yes indeed. Most applications don't need anything like 1/4W resistors - they are just specified because in the "old days" all small resistors were 1/4W.

I would start by thinking about what size you feel comfortable working with and can easily obtain.

[alparent]

First rule when working with SMD...........get rid of the shag carpet!