Soldering surface ideas? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2015, 08:33:38 pm
content: Hi Everyone,I've been using a piece of foam to put on my table so I can put pcb's on it when I solder. It's job is to keep the board from sliding around while I'm soldering it and it does a good job except it is too thick. It is also not very heat resistance as the couple of times the iron has hit it by mistake is has some holes, burns, etc. My question is, is there a thin heat resistance material that that can be used for this purpose that won't slide around?Thanks,Alan

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2015, 08:43:58 pm
content: This stuff is ok:http://nz.element14.com/multicomp/038-0016/high-density-foam-305x305x6mm/dp/1687855?ost=1687855Also the stuff for storing DIP IC's and other ESD senstitive devices

author: Joule Thief
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 03:09:44 am
content: These are not "thin, heat resistant materials", but I find them incredibly helpful in my soldering sessions.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cellphone-PCB-Fixtures-Repairing-Circuit-Boards-Holder-for-Samsung-iPhone-Cu3-/141267167179?hash=item20e42de7cbhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/201-Panavise-Junior-PVPR0201-PANAVISE-/261967924513?hash=item3cfe814d21

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 03:26:42 am
content: For surface rubber ESD mate are very good (don't confuse with the plastic ones, they are not heat resistance).As for holding the board, these ones are excellenthttp://store.hackaday.com/products/stickvise

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 03:32:35 am
content: Cork board may work.

author: Armxnian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 03:52:54 am
content: Quote from: Stonent on September 30, 2015, 03:32:35 amI use something like that. The coating doesn't seem to burn, even with the iron left on it. Just clean the surface with some alcohol before and after to keep it fresh and free of bumps.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 07:05:46 am
content: Quote from: Joule Thief on September 30, 2015, 03:09:44 am+1 for the Panavise system. As Joule Thief pointed out, these aren't thin heat resistant materials but they are super helpful for soldering.Still need some type of work surface that can withstand whatever you give it, but these items make a flexible and enjoyable to use system.Pv 203 Vise Head – Highly Recommended - this plus the next 3 parts are a great combination (the alternative bases might be better for some situations, YMMV)http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Vise-Shaft-Series-Bases/dp/B000SQWPY0/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FQBPNB9SJGVQVZRKTC0&dpID=31eSXNgrlbL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_Pv 239 Speed Control Handle/Wheel – Very nice accessory for above Vise Head (amazing what a $3.49 part will do to improve ease of use)http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-239-Speed-Control-Handle-201/dp/B008O5L0NO/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1QCFR11ATKZGC6NP7BD8&dpID=41ENzoQ1MyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR148%2C160_Pv 376 Vise Head - If you need more width for larger PCBshttp://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Self-Centering-Extra-Wide-Opening/dp/B0000WUHWE/ref=pd_sim_328_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GNCJAJQCT9YHN81Z44D&dpID=315wJ7Ul4BL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_Pv 380 Vacuum Base - Very convenienthttp://www.amazon.com/Panavise-380-PanaVise-Vacuum-Base/dp/B0002BC294/ref=pd_sim_328_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KRVC16SQPAKERC91RB1&dpID=41N0XI0tV6L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_Alternative fixed baseshttp://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-305-Low-Profile-Base/dp/B0002BC1YU/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1EFJ7J7BKGFEZ5YJQB3S&dpID=41SVfjA-HcL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_http://www.amazon.com/Panavise-300-PanaVise-Standard-Base/dp/B000B61DMW/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1443596304&sr=1-3&keywords=panavise+basehttp://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-312-Tray-Base-Mount/dp/B000B63208/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1443596304&sr=1-1&keywords=panavise+basehttp://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-335-Magnet-Base-Adapts/dp/B000SSQ1WU/ref=sr_1_10?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1443596304&sr=1-10&keywords=panavise+base

author: mzzj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 12:39:24 pm
content: Quote from: alank2 on September 29, 2015, 08:33:38 pmSilicone rubber baking sheets/mats. Downside of not sliding is that these are real suckers for dust and dirt. But washing em with tap water is easy.IE something like thishttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014996FCY/ref=s9_newrz_hd_bw_g79_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=0SQA40NG4FJ5N4PB7V7V&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2222956342&pf_rd_i=3736921http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VUG4C66?psc=1

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 12:43:07 pm
content: That looks pretty nice, does it have a good non slip grip to it?

author: Mephitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 03:14:29 pm
content: Quote from: alank2 on September 30, 2015, 12:43:07 pmI have been using those sheets with my baking for years. They have fantastic grip even on tefflon coated pans. The only time they get slick is when there is oil on them, a light scrub with dish soap and it comes right off. Just remember that the use of petroleum products will corrode/destroy them. As a cheap place to find the really good and thick ones, check around for a local restaurant supply store such as "Standard Restaurant Supply" or Bintz. I havent used them for holding PCB's (not a bad idea now that I think about it), but I have a preference for the fiberglass reinforced ones with all my baking. (like this one below)

author: MattFL
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 05:01:08 pm
content: I haven't used one of these myself, but it looks useful (on my wish list):http://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B01551F7CY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443632376&sr=8-1&keywords=pcb+holder

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 05:24:45 pm
content: I would be very reluctant to use any silicone mat that isn't specifically sold for ESD safe applications.It may be worth looking at carbon fibre heat resistant plumbers mats, e.ghttp://www.amazon.com/Steiner-Carbonized-Fiber-Blanket-31618/dp/B000FNUFRA. If working with through hole and you are having big problems with component retention, you could always put it over a piece of foam. As long as the edges are wrapped over the foam to contact the bench ESD mat, it wouldn't even need to be conductive foam.

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 05:29:54 pm
content: Quote from: Mephitus on September 30, 2015, 03:14:29 pmI've been using Silicone rubber sheets also. Here's 2 for U$10.00http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roshco-9-x-13-Bakers-Advantage-Silicone-Baking-Mat-and-11-x-15-lot-of-2/252105923879?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33602%26meid%3D0e1f27caa08a47d5a2adc9e0d76409b9%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D161356900796Mine is red. Just wipe it down with IPA when it gets dirty - rosen also wipes off nicely.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 06:17:25 pm
content: The problem with some vices is that they raise the board high up off the bench, making it uncomfortable and less easy to solder (wrist has nowhere to rest) and if using a microscope the eyepieces are that much higher which might not be a reasonable working height for you.Most of my stuff is on small boards, a couple of square inches perhaps, and I use a selection of small drill press vices which only raise the board a couple of centimetres or so. The mobile phone fixtures I use too, but the lips at board edges are quite deep so care has to be taken if parts are mounted close the board edges on repairs.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 06:41:46 pm
content: Hate any sort of PCB vise... they raise the working height too much. Plus, not easy to reposition/rotate the board or flip the board several times (insert components, flip, solder, repeat....)I just have a rubber/ESD mat on my workbench. Heat resistant (though not indestructible). Can get many good years out of it, and easy to replace if it becomes too dirty/marred/scarred.

author: stevenhoneyman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 06:46:18 pm
content: I use:A few sheets of scrap printer paper for anything with a normal iron & not needing the microscope.An ebay metal chinese PCB holder standing on a piece of scrap wood for microscope or hot air work.The paper is handy for noting pinouts and stuff down, soaking up flux/ipa mess, sticking leftover tape to, and if it gets a mess a couple of sheets go in the bin and that's it!

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 07:28:25 pm
content: QuoteIt needn't be too hard with a little ingenuity. I built my vise / holder using one of the cheap mobile phone PCB holders on ebay, eg.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Cellphone-Mobile-Phone-PCB-Fixtures-Repairing-Circuit-Boards-Holder-Tool-UK-/261373015157?hash=item3cdb0bb475(many other listings) as a source of parts.Base plate is 150x150mm stainless (pre-cut from ebay, just needed to round the corners). The rods are 3/16" leaded mild steel square section, 300mm length from ebay. The rods are drilled and tapped M3 with standoffs to bring the PCB height to ~25mm. I added an extra screw and pillar to the joint between the two rods (half lapped, drilled and threaded again).The max jaw opening came out at 105mm so I can support eurocards. I think 150mm square is the largest practical size given the 3-point support. The height gives enough space for most electrolytics when inverted but still low enough fo fit under my stereo microscope without needing to adjust the column. The screws are countersunk to allow the whole thing to slide reasonably easily on an antistatic mat, no feet. I replaced the clamping screw with a flat ended thumbscrew, the original is ground to a point which means only a couple of threads actually engage. The build means that there's a support block left over that can be used as a spare for the thumbscrew one.All three jaws slide so it's easy to re position the board or pull back the sprung one to lift the board out and turn it over.The second photo is a rather extreme usage case just to illustrate holding capacity.

author: fivefish
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2015, 11:22:43 pm
content: How do you work on the bottom side of that board? The height of the components would interfere with the rod/clamp.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 01:43:20 am
content: Another Panavise user (376,315, and303heads with a300base). Used a steel plate for the base mount.You can also DIY some helping hands that actually work from segmented CNC coolant hose, such asLoc-Line. Take a lookherefor some links to examples (photo of the Desk Squid).Base mounted tweezers can be useful as well, such as tinning wire.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 03:09:18 am
content: Looks interesting:http://www.sra-solder.com/esd-2-layer-smooth-rubber-work-surface-mat-with-wrist-strap-24-x-48-gray

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 09:13:42 am
content: QuoteI said that the second photo was an extreme example, just to give a visual cue of scale (I was silly to include it). Actually it is quite useful for holding items like that for testing, more stable than just sitting them on the bench.The holder will happily support a single eurocard (100x160mm) at convenient soldering and microscope height, and will still go down to about 20mm square. Yes the middle clamp rod is higher, with about 5mm clearance, but that is still plenty for dip packages and most passives / actives. It's normally easy to find a path across a board that's clear of tall components to accommodate it. I could have fabricated taller jaws if I'd wanted, but I was concentrating on up scaling the (mostly useful) phone pcb holder to decent sized boards.Still a decent sized holder that fits my need for microscope use and came in at about £10-15 (I could have scrimped on the stainless if I'd wanted to get it lower).

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 09:22:52 am
content: QuoteA quick snap of a more typical usage example...

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2015, 12:00:15 pm
content: I found this guys, and as luck would have it, it even has 5 or 6 reviews where someone has posted that they are using it as a soldering mat!http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Easy-Silicone-10-Inch-15-Inch/dp/B000FPX4G2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8I'm going to order it and give it a try!

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 03:02:47 am
content: So far the mat has been working well, but it will produce static readily if you lift it off a surface or roll it. Not sure if that is an issue, I haven't had any problems yet.

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 03:26:07 am
content: I have been using one of these and it works great.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q2TTQEE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00I also use this mat on top of the bench, you need to be careful It doesn't like hot solder or soldering ironshttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009XT3H?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 07:13:09 am
content: I use the same bench matting as Dave, but also use small circular silicone mats sold in the kitchen utensil section of most supermarkets when soldering directly on the mat or using hot-air

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 08:00:46 am
content: I have a few lead diving weights (lead shot in a bag) to keep things from shifting around, or trapping a wire. I have a few styles of board holders but often just use the bags for the speed.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 03:50:46 pm
content: Quote from: alank2 on November 21, 2015, 03:02:47 amTry washing it with soapy water and letting it dry (without rinsing). The thin film of soap is naturally slightly conductive and should help. Let us know if it makes a difference.

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2015, 04:23:35 pm
content: Thanks, will give this a shot.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2015, 07:39:21 am
content: Wash in fabric softener, and let dry naturally on both sides. Should be static free then.