try the toaster oven. I have been using the toaster oven for smt reflow for some of my smaller boards now, and is very effective and easy to use. just pay some attention for the thermal profiles of the chips you are using, and have a spot thermometer handy.

if you are hand-soldering, get a very fine point solder tip, with adjustable temperature range, and always make sure to clean all your solder surfaces.

get a flux pen. makes cleaning pads and pins so much easier.