Tools for BGA and SMD rework #1 soldering station, multimeter, screw drivers, microscope
54A detailed overview of tools you need to build for yourself an electronics workbench for SMD and BGA rework.
In the video I go over both the positive and the negative side of the equipment I own. Based on my first-hand experience you will learn what you should be looking for when you buy your own tools.
Furthermore, I discuss the financial aspect of BGA reflow and BGA reball.
In the next video I will go over the flux, BGA deballing and reballing stations, hot-air and infrared reworking stations, and profile development.
SCREWDRIVERS:
Proxxon Micro-drive screwdriver set provides a good price/quality ratio.
Wiha screwdrivers are even better German made tools, but they tend to be pricey.
For screwdrivers you have to buy a good set based on high quality steel, otherwise you just waste your money.
I found that electronic motor driven screwdrivers were not as much useful as I originally though. This is because you can use them only on large screws, and for finer/accurate work they are not usable.
DIGITAL MULTIMETER:
Voltcraft VC830 is supposed to be a mid-range multimeter, but I am
disappointed in its performance, and also some of the basic functionality which is often used during repair is not implemented properly.
In my view, for the same price, a low-end Fluke multimeter would have been a better investment.
PLIERS:
Knipex makes high quality German made but still affordable pliers.
I do not regret spending a bit more money on these than the cheaper products, because they are build solid.
SOLDERING STATIONS:
Quick overview of a JBC CD 2BBEW, which I find highly useful for BGA rework. This JBC station was a life changes when it comes to BGA rework. Soldering with this JBC CD-2BB feels like painting on a canvas, and with the large shovel type tips you can desolder parts and solder balls with ease.
For comparison, the Toolcraft ST-100D in my view is not suitable for BGA rework, in spite of being a 100W digitally controlled station.
HOT AIR SMD SOLDERING STATION:
Investing into a good SMD hot air soldering station would have been the smarter choice, instead of buying a large infrared/hot-air BGA reballing/reworking station, so learn from my mistake, and get a good SMD hot air station first.
For soldering SMD components, I bought an Aoyue Int 852 A+ hot air station. This Aoyue unit is simply not strong enough for lead-free SMD rework, do not even waste your money on this model.
One has to invest into a good JBC JT-A or a Weller 900 hot air station. These two are good quality and they work fine.
ULTRASONIC CLEANER:
If you intend to make money out of electronics repair, especially out of BGA and SMD rework, you have to invest into an ultrasonic sweep-frequency cleaner from Crest or from Branson.
Your investment will return on them within a year or even six months.
However, if rework is purely a hobby for you, it is not worth to buy one of these.
MICROSCOPE/MAGNIFICATION/INSPECTION:
At a hobby level this is probably the best place to invest money because of better return.
As long as you rework large SMD or through-hole components, you do not necessarily need magnification. However, for SMD you are forced to buy a good loop, or even to invest into a microscope. When you get older, a microscope is a must have.
For optical inspection after the soldering is done, one can use a camera which has live view function provided over mini-DVI or USB port, which you can attach to an external LCD monitor. However, due to the delay and lag between the motion and the camera output, they are not usable for actual magnification during the repair procedure.