Building a cheapo reflow oven without opening it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Blitzschnitzel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 08:02:24 pm
content: Hi, I would like to use a toaster oven for reflow soldering but I don’t want to tinker with mains voltage. I’ve found this on Aliexpress:https://de.aliexpress.com/item/33051336230.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.2.2eba6bc34VOQ4H&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.14977.161855.0&scm_id=1007.14977.161855.0&scm-url=1007.14977.161855.0&pvid=a48e4353-e10a-49e7-bcb4-773c9df74cb8&_t=gps-id:pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller,scm-url:1007.14977.161855.0,pvid:a48e4353-e10a-49e7-bcb4-773c9df74cb8,tpp_buckets:668%230%23131923%2318_668%23808%235965%23530_668%23888%233325%234Does something like this but a bit more sophisticated exist? With a PWM output and a programmable temperature curve. If I would get a purely analogue oven that would work right?

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 12:52:14 am
content: Your link is no good. At least for me Aliexpress wants me to log in - big no no.In any event I'm guessing this is some sort of external controller you cna plug into. How well it will work depends upon the oven.

author: Blitzschnitzel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 06:07:25 am
content: Does this link work?https://de.aliexpress.com/item/33051336230.htmlYeah it is basically an extension cord with a temperature probe which turns a device on when a set temperature is reached.I was hoping I could get a very primitive toaster oven, set it to max temperature and then let a completely external unit drive the heat cycle. Maybe with a beep at the end, so I know when it is time to open the door.

author: GromBeestje
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 09:02:31 am
content: Quote from: Blitzschnitzel on March 05, 2020, 08:02:24 pmYeah, Dave did a video about something like that.https://www.eevblog.com/2013/12/20/eevblog-558-beta-layout-diy-smd-thermal-reflow-oven/

author: RoadRunner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 09:11:45 am
content: From where i see this controller is intended for totoally different purpose.Teprature range is -55 to + 110 C Makes it unuseable for Reflow.I believe there are few diy kits out there which implement solution exactly like this and you won't need to mess with AC.Regards

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 03:33:28 pm
content: I used this controller with an Arduino and a Solid State Relay to convert a Black & Decker Infra-Wave Toaster Oven for reflow. It works well.https://www.rocketscream.com/blog/docs-item/reflow-controller-shield/However... I gutted the factory controls and rewired the lamps to the SSR so I guess this is mains work and won't be appropriate here. There other change was to put high temperature matting between the internal and external metal walls. Without the insulation, the oven wouldn't get up to temperature in a timely fashion, if at all.Could this all be done externally? Sure. But unless there is a kit somewhere, you would still be playing with mains.If the board is small enough, I prefer to use a hot plate. Just make sure the top is continuous or put a circular saw blade over the burner to spread the heat. I put my board on the plate, turn the heat up full and wait for the solder to flow. I remove the board with tweezers (carefully) and shut off the hot plate. This method doesn't even vaguely resemble the fancy curves in the datasheets - but it works.

author: Calvin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 07:36:56 am
content: Hi,at the time there´s a used professional small reflow oven at ebay Kleinanzeigen for only 50€.Search for "Lötofen". It says "is getting warm". But even if You have to repair something it´d be a better basis than a cheap toaster oven.I just purchased a Paggen RO250BF for 100€ via ebay Kleinanzeigen and am waiting for it to arrive.Both are certainly better solutions regarding the expectable solder quality than from Toaster ovens.regardsCalvin

author: GerryR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 11:49:13 am
content: I have an inexpensive toaster oven rigged with a small process controller and thermocouple that I use for tempering small steel parts after hardening and can regulate the temperature quite well. I have had it to 950 deg F though I mostly use it in the 600 deg F range. I did put some ceramic wool around it to help "keep the heat in," so-to-speak.

author: Blitzschnitzel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 09:48:36 pm
content: Quote from: GromBeestje on March 06, 2020, 09:02:31 amTHX, so it does exist. But 230€ is a bit steep for the 20€ of parts inside.Quote from: Calvin on March 07, 2020, 07:36:56 amI didn't know the prices for used ovens were so reasonable. THX I'll keep an eye on ebay Kleinanzeigen.