Quote Originally Posted by mackrackit View Post
I just use the temperature control that is on the oven with an oven thermometer (kitchen type) to monitor it. My oven also has a timer.
I use a small kitchen count-down timer. I have critical points marked on the temperature dial and make changes manually. Initially, I used temperature strips and a thermocouple but now just wing it as the manual methods seem adequate. The only problem I've had over hundreds of boards is with some large components (2.1mm power jack, RJ11 jacks, etc.) starting to deform. I now leave those for manual soldering. I usually have ~50in² of boards so just open the door after the brief soak at high temperature. My boards probably wouldn't meet ISO standards but none have exhibited problems.

I do use a stainless steel stencil for larger boards and for v-grooved small boards. It precisely controls paste thickness and I cannot recall a component misalignment with a stencil while manual paste application frequently results in misalignments that need manual resoldering.

I have a spinal cord injury that has paralyzed the fingers of my left hand. I use tweezers to place components. I design using 805 or larger components. I figure anyone should be able to do this if a one-armed geezer can handle it. I find it easier than manual soldering through-hole components.