I-Extruder Unboxing & Review

[@dylankirdahy9591]

Hey, your video was one of the reasons I decided to buy. It was really helpful. Thanks! I'm having trouble getting the PnP feature to work with smaller packages. I tried the stainless steel tips and all different pullback settings, but barely any suction. Any advice?

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Hey Dylan - I am glad you found my video helpful! I also had some trouble with the PnP holding on to parts - but I have a different air PnP I was/am using anyway, so didn't really get it for that function. Maybe there is a firmware update that fixes it? I've never looked into it, sorry :(

[@dylankirdahy9591]

No worries, I figured it out! Instead of using the weird red metal plunger they suggest using for PnP, just use the standard syringe plunger. Just make sure to grease the plunger. I also greased the inside of the syringe tip a bit so its seal against the syringe is better. Probably does nothing but couldn't hurt! I think the regular plunger works better because it fills up the rounded space at the end of the syringe where the red metal plunger can't travel. Since there's less air in the syringe initially, the vacuum that is produced when the plunger pulls back is stronger! Hopefully this is helpful to anyone with the same issue. Thanks again for the great video. :) Cheers

[@xConundrumx]

works amazing for tacky flux too, that's what I use it for mostly

[@ecofuelbox]

Nice review. For better result you need place the syringe tip touching the pad at 40° angle and then press on extruder button. This way, solder paste is applied to the pad directly.

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Thanks for the info. I have been kinda doing that when using it since this review... I have put in a lot of hours with it, and it seems to work well *most* of the time. Often I get failed extrusion, using dot mode. I'll dot 7 pads in a row and then the eighth takes 2-3 dots then it works ok again for a bit. Have you experienced that? I'm making sure my paste is taken out of the fridge 24 hours before use.

[@ecofuelbox]

Hi, I believe it something that has to do with the even number of steps (time to time). You may try to slightly adjust : dispensing time and pull-back settings. By the way, there is a cool feature in "Dot" mode... If you will keep holding the extrude button (or foot pedal pressed) once the programmed amount of solder paste is dispensed, solder paste will continue to be extruded by the inner pressure (until you release the button or pedal) This is very handy when you need to apply bigger amount of solder paste (bigger pad) or place a tiny line(s) on IC pads. It's my preferred dispensing method :)

[@Cybernetic_Systems]

Nice, that looks great! Almost make me want to do more SMD work!

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Yeah SMD work is the bomb! I'm not sure if I like it so much because it's super challenging, or because finished boards just look so much nicer - makes me *feel* more professional ;)

[@Cybernetic_Systems]

It does look VERY pro but I enjoy the process of soldering individual components, I think it's therapeutic! :-D

[@VOVKA_PUTIN]

Hello! Can you tell me length and weight of I-extruder?

[@DigicoolThings]

Interesting. Do you still use your I-Extruder? I think I’ve only seen you using stencils in your more recent videos. I seem to have gotten adept at using 3cc syringes, but I’ve had my eye on the Tindie dispenser: goo.gl/3q2ckZ Based on your I-Extruder experience, how do you think this cheaper option might compare?

[@UnexpectedMaker]

I only break out the I-Extruder now when I need to SMD and don't have a stencil, but that is rare. That Tindie Dispenser gets expensive once you add some extra stuff you'll likely need, like a button or foot pedal etc. If you are not doing repetitive soldering like 20-50 SK6812's - 4 pads each, then hand pasting from a syringe is still a great solution.

[@DigicoolThings]

Fair comment. My busiest board at the moment is just over 100 SMD pads. Time certainly vanishes when I start syringing a few of those boards! I should really order a stencil next time! In the meantime my syringe skills are well practised! LOL

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Oh, 100 pads, ouch, that's going to hurt your wrist and likely your neck and back. Having a dispenser is great in that it meters out the right dose each time, so cramping hands or sore thumb doesn't become an issue on too little or too much paste. Tough call mate.

[@gaminggeeks5379]

U r great but IDK why u have so less subs

[@UnexpectedMaker]

Thanks for sub-ing! It's a new channel. Not even 2 months old yet... takes time to build a community and grown subs :-)

[@Andrey0I]

Для мелких работ слишком массивное изделие)

[@UnexpectedMaker]

I guess it depends on how much surface mount assembly you do. Stencils are super cheap now, but sometimes, a stencil is overkill for a 1-2 board build.

[@Andrey0I]

Для 1-2 плат дороговато, не считаете!?)

[@UnexpectedMaker]

I mean MANY projects of 1-2 boards... no one just makes 1-2 boards for 1 project ;) Anyway, yes it's expensive... doing it by hand with a syringe is fine for most PCBs.

[@FooBar89]

the ergonomics is nope