Learning to solder tiny SMD components with a soldering iron

SMD soldering is something that I've put off for ages. I finally decided to give it a go with the soldering iron and I have to admit, I'm not a massive fan. It's doable, for sure, it's not that difficult after a little practice and in some ways, it's a lot faster and easier than dealing with through-hole components, but it sure is fiddly!
The soldering irons used in this video are the TS100 and the Pinecil Pine64 with AIM 62/36/2 eutectic solder and MG Chemicals 835 Rosin liquid flux.
TS100 Soldering Iron - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dks...
Pinecil Pine64 Soldering Iron - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBo...
AIM 62/36/2 Solder - www2.mouser.com/ProductDetail...
MG Chemicals 835 Rosin Liquid Flux (US) - amzn.to/49bTtJR
MG Chemicals 835 Rosin Liquid Flux (UK) - amzn.to/49awe32
LED Soldering Practice Kit
Amazon US - amzn.to/4bwaK2a
Amazon UK - amzn.to/48cdLSn
AliExpress - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DB4...
Like the music in this video? Visit www.hooksounds.com/ and enter code "johnaldred" on checkout for 10% off your monthly or annual subscription.
00:00 Introduction
00:46 SMD Practice Kit components
02:26 New toys!
02:47 New soldering iron tips
03:34 Pine64 Pinecil soldering iron
04:17 PCB holder clamp
04:33 MG Chemicals 835 liquid flux
04:43 SMD Practice board overview
05:37 AIM SN62/PB36/AG2 eutectic solder
06:11 Soldering 1206 components
06:32 TS-BC2 soldering tip
08:38 TS-I soldering tip
10:57 TS-B2 soldering tip
13:05 TS-D24 soldering tip
15:03 Soldering tip comparison
16:35 Pine64 Pinecil power tests
20:58 Soldering 0805 components
25:23 Soldering 0603 components
27:42 Soldering 0402 components
30:13 Soldering the main circuit
32:36 Soldering 0805 LEDs
33:00 Checking LED polarity
34:48 SOT23 Transistors
35:19 Drag soldering SMD ICs
37:50 Powering it up - FAIL!
38:26 Fixed it!
38:53 Outro
Gear used or mentioned in this video series...
US Links
Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/3UwEsht
Panasonic G85 - amzn.to/49awgYI
Panasonic GX85 - amzn.to/4bxMjkK
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD - amzn.to/4bBTngf
Rode NTG5 shotgun microphone - amzn.to/42ENNWn
Feelworld FW279 - amzn.to/4byq1iL
UK Links
Panasonic GH5 - amzn.to/49uI0Vx
Panasonic G80 - amzn.to/3SRubLw
Panasonic GX80 - amzn.to/4bvU9eN
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD - amzn.to/4bxMe0q
Rode NTG5 shotgun microphone - amzn.to/3OFbDvg
Feelworld FW279 - amzn.to/3SRINun
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[@JohnAldred]

This was more fun than I expected it to be but way less fun that I was hoping for!

[@janplexy]

PRO TIP: FLUX IS YOUR FRIEND.

[@21thTek]

Love your will and original idea and video ! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@macmccune21]

Perfect video for me. Im trying to learn have a junk keyboard (e waste) with a bunch of SMD resistors and transisitors and I can get some off, but once I get one end soft the other end cools off! Feels like a hot air machine would make easy work of them, but I have a bit of solder wick and once I get them off I like to practice reinstalling.

[@JohnAldred]

I wanted to hold off responding to this one until I posted my latest video. Have a look at hotplates, too. I've found that it seems to make for an easier time of part removal from boards. :)

[@bill6943]

More Flux. I generally put flux down on all the solder pads before I start placing components. I usually pre solder all the pads with just a very small amount.

[@HappyHermitt]

Solder paste with iron would work too

[@sylvianeta]

Hi, thanks for it. Do yoou have this paper . With components values.?? I have dificult to identify each one.

[@JohnAldred]

Sorry, I didn't see this sooner. I'm afraid I don't have the instructions for this kit anymore, but you should be able to find them online. Check the AliExpress and Amazon listings for it, they often have a list of the components in the images.

[@giovannigiorgio2262]

i go that for like 0.5$ + what temp u . use bec i dont want damage the pad

[@JohnAldred]

I usually have my iron set between 320-350C so I can keep contact to as short a time as possible without things sapping so much heat that I gotta wait for it to heat up again for the next bit.

[@giovannigiorgio2262]

@@JohnAldred im using 270c + i have low wire melting point form what i learn 350c for desoldering , i thinks its risky

[@thenextproblem8001]

I'm not a professional microsoldering guy but some tips may be useful for you.
First of all you never use flux. Big mistake for those irregular joints on almost every component. How much flux is extra? There is no such thing. Use flux whenever you want. And if you want to solder with solder itself after one side is completed use flux then grab the component from middle between your tweezer. Solder the joint you just fluxed. Then move on the next pad. You will see it will be shiny like factory-made.
Next tip is to use solder paste. You don't need a hot air or plate (but definitely recommended) you can use your ts100 to melt and solder them. İt will be so much easier. And use flux.
With hot air or plate this board will probably takes only a minute to complete. And use flux. 🙂

[@JohnAldred]

Thank you for the tips! I had ordered some solder paste but it hadn't arrived in time. Pretty much impossible to get leaded solder of any kind in the UK now so had to order from China. Taking a while. :)

[@thenextproblem8001]

@@JohnAldred then use flux :)

[@nickk6109]

I think I have a dead ADC.. QFN 48 pin.. should prove interesting challenge.

[@JohnAldred]

QFN still scares me, lol. Good luck! :)