[net.micro.cpm] Desoldering techniques

strom%brl-bmd@sri-unix.UUCP (02/24/84)

From:      Charlie Strom (NYU) <strom@brl-bmd>

Ypu brought up a pet subject of mine - namely the best technique to
use to remove IC's from pc boards. I have tried a large number of alternatives
and have finally decided that a heated iron with a vacuum source is the
best tool for such purposes, but I'm always open to suggestions and
new ideas. Any comments?

GRUPP%mit-mc@sri-unix.UUCP (02/24/84)

From:  Paul R. Grupp <GRUPP@mit-mc>

I've always found it easier to cut the IC leads one at a time, *THEN*
desolder the "stubs".  (You wern't planning on putting it back I hope!)
An even better way is not to buy boards that don't use sockets.

--Paul

SPURGEON@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA (02/24/84)

From:  Bud Spurgeon <SPURGEON@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA>

I've found that for something you can carry in your toolbox, a hand-held
"solder sucker" used along with a soldering iron works about the best.
Carry along some of the "solder braid" stuff for really hard to unsolder
items, and maybe a higher temperature tip for your soldering iron to
convince the braid to work (the heavier braid really soaks up the heat).

For bench use I've found the vacuum pump based machine, specifically those
models made by Pace to be better (faster,cleaner,leaves re-usable holes
and trace) than anything else.  You must fiddle with this equipment more
though.  It works best only when kept really clean, with clean filters
and tips.  Then it works real well.
		-Bud
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