SMT prototyping/DIY reflow ovens

[eoasap]

batchpcb (sparkfun) has a deal where its a $10 setup fee and then $2.50 sq/in with no minimum requirements. i think its a great deal if you have a small panelization or single, small board you want to test. they also ship internationally. http://www.batchpcb.com/shipping.php

---- quote below from the link above---------------------------
International customers - read very carefully. We have shipped to over 85 countries and growing. We have had a 99% delivery rate with only 2 lost packages to Canada via Airmail. This is not to say it is fast. Some packages took 6+ weeks to arrive at their destination. Customs inspections and ground transport can take time, be patient.

* FedEx International Priority is very expensive ($40+) but is blazingly fast, 3 days usually. Trackable and insured.
* Global Express Mail is expensive ($20-$30) but is also very fast. 3-5 days, trackable, insured.
* Global Priority Mail is cheap ($10-$20) and is reasonably fast. 3-9 days, not trackable, not insured.
* Airmail is dirt cheap ($5-9), but is slow. 4 days and up, not trackable, not insured.

[forgie]

Thanks for the links guys. It looks like I still have many options for cheap PCBs after all, even being down in the other corner of the world!

[DynamoBen]

I etch my own boards, usually because I like to free up a bread board and am too cheap to keep buying dev. boards.

I've found it pretty easy and straight forward. For me it’s harder to create the PCB layout than it is to etch the board. I use the Press-N-Peel sheets, usually purchased through http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...OARD_KIT_.html. However recently I found out you can get as good or better results, with a magazine. You print the design with a laser printer onto a piece of glossy paper out of a magazine. Place that page onto your board and heat it with an iron (on the highest setting) the design will then affix it self to your board.
http://myweb.cableone.net/wheedal/pcb.htm

I started etching with the kit from Radio Shack but quickly out grew it. I now have a plastic tank with heater and pump.
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/4231

I use Ammonium Persulphate because it is clear so I can see the progress and can be purchased dry. (easier to store) I also tin my boards with "Liquid Tin." I originally used the stuff you have to put in the oven. It took the better part of an hour and stunk up the house. Liquid Tin takes five minutes, no heat required, very easy.

Finally, I haven't done SMT stuff yet. However the guys at sparkfun.com have done three tutorials on it. These are the techniques they use; my favorite is the skillet which works pretty well.

Enjoy:

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pre...Reflow Skillet
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pre...Reflow Toaster
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pre...p?p=Stenciling