Unsoldering

From: Innfogra_at_aol.com <(Innfogra_at_aol.com)>
Date: Fri Dec 25 02:55:42 1998

In a message dated 12/24/98 2:00:27 PM Pacific Standard Time,
allisonp_at_world.std.com writes:

> If I want to lift parts and keep the board I have a tin container filled
> with about a 1/2 inch of solder (used for wave soldering). heated over a
> gas stove (coleman) I can float a board and pick off components with
> tweezers. takes a little care to keep the heat reasonable.
>
A cast Iron frying pan works well to float a pool of solder in. There are even
square frying pans.

I have had some success with the new generation of propane micro torches when
I need to straighten leads before pulling.

Once, I got from Intel a couple of solder pots that pumped molten solder up
against a circuit board and then drained off to the sides. It was designed to
work on large circuit cards by flowing solder against a 4" section at a time.
I also had a couple of bench machines that use hot air for component removal,
usually surface mount stuff

It pays to use a good commercial heat gun for component removal. They have
better temperature regulation. Hot Air Guns made for component removal are
expensive but you can get tips for almost all of the chip packages. With a
little bit of creative metal bending you can make your own tips for a std
commercial heat gun.

Paxton
Received on Fri Dec 25 1998 - 02:55:42 GMT