Professional SMT Soldering: Hand Soldering Techniques - Surface Mount

Professional techniques for multi-lead hand soldering to IPC class 3 criteria. solderingtraini.... [phone]. John Gammell, Master IPC Trainer. STC on Facebook: tinyurl.com/stc...

[@chipcago]

9+ years later, this is still the best hand-soldering I have seen.

[@vtechk]

Exactly. I just soldered a 64 pin LQFP a few days ago and it didn't look this smooth at all! 🙂

[@westelaudio943]

Video was shot in the late 1990s judging by the date codes on the ICs.

[@andik70]

@@vtechk use more flux...

[@SingTodayi]

It's pure ART.

[@AnalPro_69]

i do same soldering when i was 9 year old 😅

[@sawekmakowski410]

With this music I fell like I'am saving the world by soldering properly

[@piotrek0207]

Racja😀

[@SaiyedR]

😂😂😂😂

[@ffxiikd1426]

xD

[@techmaniac7302]

😂

[@MrWhaatay]

@@piotrek0207 You are. One man can make a difference.

[@eyithings]

Pleased with how incredibly neat this is. What it means to me is that having the right tools would make the journey smoother.

[@captlarry-3525]

I have been soldering for almost 60 years, and I have never seen anything like this.Much to learn !

[@SigEpBlue]

I wasn't dropping my jaw until I saw the 160-pin QFP being soldered with an iron. Amazing work and technique you have. This gives me higher confidence to try new soldering methods (I can already do TQFP-32 and SOIC-24 all day), and also to be less fearful of higher-pin-count devices in my designs.

[@LMF5000]

Absolutely outstanding. Lots of 10-minute videos consists of the uploader rambling on and on about how to solder. Your video jumps straight to the point and shows several different ways to do it in just 3 minutes. Great job. Liked and subscribed!

[@weeardguy]

Leave it up to the guys at IPC to make such outstanding videos. Had my IPC training a month ago and even though I was no stranger to SMD soldering already, the videos were of outstanding quality to show exactly what was going on while soldering. Fortunately, they did not have any music under it, just good voice-overs ;)

[@sambhavjain3655]

Damn, This is the Best soldering I have seen in my Life

[@twotallable]

I really like this lightweight kindle & the fact that the color is on both back & front - kzbin.infoUgkxCgPI5O2AtmcHq9SJhgsCGbpAzJAJfrJp I just wish that Amazon would put the on/off button on the TOP of the kindle so I didn't keep turning it off while trying to hold on to it. And WTF were they thinking when the changed the size of the charging port? I own 4 kindles and now 3 work off of the same mini charger, the same one as my phone, but this new one is a different size so I have to have its "special" charger with me or a second kindle in case the battery goes flat.

[@oddball119]

Somebody said, “you need a rework station to do that,” and this guy said,”hold my drink.” This is the best soldering I have seen.

[@applepie9806]

Wow, masterful. I saw this on reccommended by accident after viewing another soldering video, and yours is so clear and full of detail. Thanks! I have a painfully small port break I have to learn soldering for

[@babuki8620]

Great video. I start a new job Monday as an electronics tech after being out of it for roughly 8 years. Your video gives me some confidence that I can get back to form. On the other hand, watching Bob Ross also makes me think I can paint... so we will see.

[@mermer6228]

Lol... That's real.

[@71dembonesTV]

You, sir, are a true master of your trade; that is clear! I am fascinated by the different multi-lead techniques. That bevel tip seems critical for any kind of production work...

[@jkgamm041]

+71dembones - The bevel tip or hoof tip as I call it is ideal for multi-lead and drag soldering. I prefer the large hoof any day or a good miniwave tip with the recessed well to hold a little solder. The hoof wets so well due to increased surface area which transfers heat much faster. The liquidous solder always follows the heat source. Yes, a bevel is important for production if the operators are properly trained in their use.

[@kennethshiro9500]

+71dembones Indeed, a pleasure to watch. I strive to one day reach this level.

[@melvinngsk]

May i know what brand of soldering wire using? Its so shining :)

[@Solder_it]

@@melvinngski think its “ Kester “

[@genaishivatov1737]

I have been soldering for a very long time and this is one of the most sensible videos on this topic - usually everyone has everything burns, turns black, solders for minutes )))

[@dmoore0079]

With a little practice, it's not too difficult. The key is having the right soldering iron tip and enough flux (personal preference is a bevel tip with an indent "solder cup"). Apply a generous amount of flux to both the component leads and pads, and drag away. If you get a bridge, it usually means you didn't apply enough flux or you have insufficient heat (either temp is set too low or you have something dissipating too much heat like a massive ground plane). Also, not all fluxes are created equal - some are more aggressive (active) than others, and more aggressive flux can be beneficial if you're working with boards or components that are slightly oxidized. I like water soluble flux, because it's fairly aggressive and it cleans up so easily compared to rosin. Water soluble is also great for Rohs (lead-free), and makes nice shiny solder joints after washing.

[@KrotowX]

Flux ingredients also matters. Same for solder pastes. Cup tip indeed is great for QFP and similar multi-pin packages. With proper flux and solder it does wonders.

[@thehitman5007]

Excellent job. Very clean and professionally done to prevent cold solder easily.

[@jkgamm041]

Cold solder joints are the result of oxidation, contaminants and or insufficient heat. Cold solder joints are not part of my game, so to speak. I have not had a cold joint in at least 15-20 years. Students I train do not experience cold joints as I teach them how to prevent them. Those who solder "cold" are undeveloped in their training. I also never use a solder wick on leads. I pull solder bridges with ease, just as anyone can if they understand the process.

[@AndrewMooreJ]

I looked this guy up. He 15 minutes away. He came and visited my shop, showed me a thing or two....we became friends. All I gotta say is thatTechnique and practice is what this takes to make happen. Hakko is top of the line, but even with those 8 dollar radioshack irons, you can do close to, if not just as well as this video. I haven't talked to John in a couple years but if anyone wants to chat about his methods or wants some tips (advice, not equipement), let me know. I am more than happy to help. I have a camera on my microscope, so that helps.

[@Ronnock]

A simple and succinct video, with "show don't tell," attitude with badass music. Thank you!

[@034G63EVO]

WOW! Incredible. Hands down the best Ive seen in YEARS!

[@moesella3542]

I can tell your fingers work leave traceless like a robot work stamping PCB, just excellent, your work comes from your heart....

[@nipzilla]

Chuck Norris soldering level. Wow!! Mad skills!

[@killabee623]

LOL.

[@brasofilo]

I thought only robots soldered stuff this way. Suck it, robots!! Check our guy here, lol

[@dance_llove5258]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍

[@DesertFernweh]

That is some truly Master class craftsmanship there. Thanks for the upload!

[@takuya7523]

Man, this guy is great. I would have thought it had been done by a machine. Very neat.

[@technologyworld6142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKTdmt4dqh1g8U

[@FesixGermany]

Saw this video a couple of years ago and I baught a gullwing tip for my Weller soldering station, after a bit of practice the results are awesome!

[@ElectronFunCom]

Your video is outstanding! I tried soldering SMD parts with a similar tip and according to your explanation and it really works a treat. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@moesella3542]

I'm the old school electronicien, I found I can learn from you something from the new world, thanks John,.

[@Ringmaster860]

Its so satisfying to watch. I could watch this all day

[@d.m.2223]

Truly amazing. I wish I had even half of this skill, it would have saved my Philips TV mainboard which I ruined, trying to replace a blown microchip, even with plenty of spares I still messed it up badly. Eventually damaged the board with so many poor attempts, and have ordered a replacement board. Frustrating!!! Great video and Best of the Best skills. Cheers!!

[@km6xz]

I have been soldering frequently since I was 9, (1958) and I feel embarrassed to see how far I have to go. Heck, I thought I was pretty good....I bow to the Master:>)

[@user-ov6tk8tw2q]

km6xz my husband said the same

[@user-mc7ez6lm4x]

More of a cheater then a master. If I had tons of money I could order a new quality PCBs from China and take my time practicing these soldering methods for fun.

[@alkeryn1700]

man 6 years later and it's still just as impressive.

[@ChromeXk]

Holy crap, your skills are amazing! I've been soldering for a while now, I thought I was pretty good but I can't even hold a candle to you! Fantastic video, thank you for sharing!

[@toaster1971]

I'm a CIT, and I still admire Mr. Gammell's work.

[@schl0tte]

That is breathtaking!

[@arifanwari3168]

Excellent presentation watched many many times over the years and have highly recommended your videos.

[@makgstefan]

respect sir, respect! I'm from Greece and you help me a lot with your tip. Actually you make it look so easy the soldering with your stable hand. So stable tha you make the viewer to feel that it can do this so easy as you. You are the best and we are waiting for new videos.

[@ManjaroJam]

simply incredible soldering skills. I am almost suspicious that some kind of time lapse camera shot trickery, or some video editing trick was done to prepare this video. The skills displayed in soldering were out of this world provided they were captured by the camera in real time.

[@jkgamm041]

ManjaroJam Greetings. I use no time lapse or trickery. You are viewing real time. Thought you might enjoy this other one of mine. My best to you. vimeo.com/26348524

[@VictorHarrys]

What the (approximate) temperature of the tip? I have a new Pace ST25 soldering station that boasts a tip temperature control. I want put it to the test.

[@tvoovm7254]

Damn, this is such a seamless tutorial that could have taken far more time to master even though I have intermediate experience. And here I thought that this was hard, but these techniques done by this person is so precise that I cannot believe it. Heck, now I'm getting a little jealous.

[@saiiiiiii1]

These joints are so beautiful. I wish I get on that level constantly some day.

[@eos1d3]

WOW! So beautiful soldering by hand! A late LIKE after 10 years.

[@HolyAvgr]

Please don't ever stop making videos.

[@unebonnevie]

The demo was done with an SOIC/TQFP format chip, which is VERY easy to solder. Try TSSOP format! TSSOP's pitch is very small, less than 0.5mm! Excellent video. Very professionally done.

[@jkgamm041]

+unebonnevie - TSSOP is very easy to solder with ultra fine pitch if you use a micro hoof tip and proper technique. My technique is almost identical to this guys with the exception that I use a trick or two making it much more efficient. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnzPY2albJWcp68. Here is one of a 15 mil ultra fine pitch TQFP I did recently. Believe one thing my friend, if it can be soldered, I will solder it, I assure you. It will also be aerospace quality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIGlYahuntehY5Y

[@trainliker100]

I remember when involved with electronic manufacturing that we used guides that Martin Marietta put out many years ago. It was one of those things where a company developed for in-house use, and then decided to sell it (I found them and it at a "NEPCON" West show in California back when they still held those.) Each practice (soldering, crimping, wire prep, whatever) included four photographs. In descending order they were called something like "Ideal, Acceptable, Minimum Acceptable, Unacceptable". They made the goal clear, but left a little room for practicality. The examples in this video are certainly in the "Ideal" category. Especially the soldered lead in the through hole example. It is supposed to look wetted up the lead, and be cut above that point.

[@CommonCent5]

am in awe amazement, such a fine specimen of being you are ! steady hands and professional to the core !! Kudos !

[@Sean-tz9yd]

Absolutely beautiful soldering...... This Wallmart soldering iron just isn't doing the job for me....I felt like crying and laughing while watching your video at how easy you make this look. Thankyou for the post.

[@meercreate]

I started out with a Hakko 508, but later got a cheap temp controlled soldering station (Kendal 853D++) that does a pretty good job.

[@therealb888]

WizardsOf12 i have goot 40w. The tip dies instantly like it's cursed!

[@MaxC_1]

@@therealb888 the tips oxidise too fast on those cheap non temp controlled irons as they get very hot (around 400C+) thus allowing tips to be oxidised very quick. Add to that novice techniques and no care for tips and yeah. Best way to use those is to periodically turn on and off those irons so they maintain a workable temp but not get too hot

[@richhorner7720]

You are not human. No human could possibly solder this well.

[@jkgamm041]

Dylan Bleier Hello Dylan, It is a combination of surface and lead preparation with isopropyl alcohol, flux, tip shape, size and surface area, temperature, dwell time (contact), use of a heat bridge (preloaded tip prior to drag soldering), tip placement, pressure on the handle and speed of travel. Flux is merely one element of the process which reduces oxidation, surface tension and improves wetting of the alloys. Failure to properly apply all of the necessary elements of the process will affect the wetting behavior of the liquidous solder.

[@Notalliswhatitseems]

+John Gammell I just suck at this, everytime i try it all i end up doing is bridging connections and then for some reason, even though every video makes it seem easy to unbridge them, when i try, it just seems to make things worse. My soldering skills are not basic, but i just cant see to master drag soldering to save my life

[@rich1051414]

DirtyRottenBastard Try with smaller solder wire. The smallest you can find. Start with a dry tinned tip, wipe the pads with some flux, lay the solder across the traces, and drag the iron across, with a wedge tip. I got good at it on working with those prototype boards with the input and out pads on the two sides. 60/40 solder has really nice surface tension and puddles up quite high before bridging.

[@apexmike849]

+John Gammell Nice demo :-) I notice that you've actually explained in your replies, which is good, because the average guy isn't going to do well at this, without knowing a bit more ;-)

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

I've had similar issues until I spend a bit more money on a really good soldering station. I never had problems again. It just unbridges like magic.

[@johnzarollin2749]

ok you do not drink coffee before doing this. Beautiful work. I thought my soldering was good but I am impressed. One consolation, the 14 satellites I soldered circuits for are still functioning up there somewhere.

[@theintelarif]

john buster Really? What kind of satellite - navigation, communication?

[@cnegrea]

Home cinema satellite speakers

[@theintelarif]

Negrea Cristian LOL The way the he said it sounded like he literally meant satellite instead of satellite speakers 😂 Thanks for the correction, BTW.

[@sandrostefanon]

That's not a solder, this is a masterpiece! WOW

[@Ronny_Cordova]

This is the work of some sort of soldering wizard.

[@juanitahernandez314]

Renga Cordova

[@mdrafiq910]

This is the Best soldering I have seen in my Life

[@KrotowX]

Brilliant soldering demo. After 12 years still actual. Actually not so hard to repeat, however proper solder, proper flux (especially), proper soldering iron tip and proper temperature are very important here. More or less steady hands are also prefered :)

[@theDiYwizard]

you definitely inspire me and i have bought my equipement as you suggested plus i had to get some more smaller tips, because i do rework on cell phone boards where CF3 for example is too big. I was able to drag solder with the smaller tip and i love the results. Thanks for the video!

[@muhammedsons2675]

After watching this amazing soldering techniques I learned how to solder this kind of smd IC's similar to this video with a very cheap soldering Iron, after I learned how to do it similar to this video I figured out that nothing is impossible, thanks

[@LT89NL]

I have only just started soldering SMT as well, and if there is one ultimate tip I can give that has been extremely useful to me as well, it's to use adequate amounts of flux. I make my own flux from rosin, which can be purchased for as little as €12 a kilo and will last you decades. I dissolve it in 95% Ethanol, though Isopropanol will do as well. Its preferrable to make several different strength solutions, a 40% liquid for SMT and desoldering with solder braid, and a thicker 75% syrup.

[@DPbuilds]

Most amazing soldering skills ive ever seen.

[@briancannard7335]

You gave me hope, and I saved my Lattice iCE40HX1K solderbridged by airgun reflow LOL. Classic irons ROCK!!! My lucky day!

[@JosipMiller]

Thank you for excellent video. It explains quite a lot, especially this thing about flat surface on the tip. Personally I am using Weller tools and needle-like tip No 7 for this but now I will try your technique, it is so elegant.

[@MrGasS]

This is art, man! You're too professional :)

[@kamikazemoddz3159]

I've always wanted to be able to solder like this it looks better than a machine!

[@steve42lawson]

Thank you so much for this amazing video -- it knocked orders of magnitude of time off my SMD hand soldering tasks!

[@wolfprince7777]

amazing work, i found this video to help me solder a capacitor in my rear projection tv. it was very useful. awesome work

[@draca1]

one of the few decent soldering how to videos.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Thanks for posting this video and these other tutorials. Looks like nicely skillful and inspiringly precise soldering compared to most of the soldering videos I have seen on youtube.

[@raybob49]

The very best in this technique, thank you for this video and others you have provided. (RF - UK.)

[@spartan456]

This is one of the most satisfying videos I've ever seen. Those are some beautiful joints. Your experience really shows with this. I'm currently learning microsoldering by fixing things like broken connectors and charge ports on phones and tablets. Just successfully desoldered a broken micro USB off of a tablet and cleaned the pads. Can't wait to try soldering the new one on. I think I'll get one of those bevel tips. They look really useful. Edit Also if you don't mind my asking, when it comes to desoldering SMD components (like charge ports, connectors, and ICs) I've seen some different techniques. I personally used flux and some fine solder wick to remove most of the solder then used an SMD reflow station to lightly heat it up until it gave way with some tweezers. I've also seen other people use flux and heat only. I'm assuming the technique really depends on the number of leads? Or is one better than the other?

[@technologyworld6142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKTdmt4dqh1g8U

[@philw9436]

I have to solder 2 simple ( ish )switch buttons onto the circuit board of a valuable Nord Synth ... ... hopefully this undoubted master class will help me ! thanks for uploading !

[@hoodafukisalice]

Crafty and beautiful. Thanks for sharing the tips.

[@djravery]

@StinkyCheese9999 In my applications, my irons are at the proper temps... however we deal with large thick ground planes and boards that are designed to dissipate heat (ie high intensity LEDs). While we are in the process of trying some new tacky fluxes, the stuff we have used in the past (low solids) flashes off well before the solder reflows. As far as equipment goes, I am using a new Hakko FM-206 for hand sodlering/desoldering and the Hakko FR-803B rework station for fine pitch removal.

[@villcrs4110]

Theres a fine line between soldering and miracles, this video shows....

[@GolapMedia]

This is extremely beautiful work! I admire this video like a piece of art at the moment...

[@Protoproff]

And i thought i was good at soldering, eons behind. Thx for the perfect video presentation mate, and top choice on background music. I really did`nt want the video to end.

[@alholic]

Came for the excellent soldering techniques, replayed video over and over for the awesome music.

[@Oerg866]

This video is very well made. Learn something new every day!

[@JoeHacobian]

This video is inspiring, thank you for uploading it, I'll be researching the IPC class 3 shortly. Thank you for providing excellent examples!

[@kynkai]

Wow, the music make it sound like a boss battle, which is kinda true :D I mean, soldering a 120 pin IC without bridging it's pins sure sounds like a final boss to me

[@123kkambiz]

Best video on surface mount soldering.

[@Bige4u]

When it comes to soldering, im somewhat of a perfectionist, not profectionist... so i approve this video.

[@technologyworld6142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKTdmt4dqh1g8U

[@prugotwist]

I never thought soldering would look so cool on the video. This is amazing :D

[@eckard9597]

This guy is a soldering boss

[@arkdesign9517]

World class quality right there

[@Greenman247]

I know that it's been quite a while since this video's release, but could you share some idea lead and non lead teams? Otherwise, awesome video. Much appreciated!

[@ybenax]

So this is what the God of Soldering looks like.

[@Videoswithsoarin]

the most advanced art i've ever seen

[@MrWhaatay]

I really like the multi-lead sweep technique. Haven't seen that anywhere else.

[@engenheiroclinico]

Congratulations John! And thanks for sharing these techniques!

[@simcatbob]

Superb! Thank you for illustrating your class workmanship.

[@paulmoffat9306]

I think the solder being used is Tin/Lead (SN63) rather than Lead free (SN99) - it flows more readily than the Tin solders.

[@pasteur90]

The art of soldering

[@madmccarter]

Awesome job! I was just wondering, at 1:39, where can one find that sort of injectable liquid solder paste?

[@bwack]

Great video ! Nice and quick with good results.

[@TackleProd]

Wow! You make it look so easy!

[@orangesharpy]

That is some sexy soldering. Makes it look much easier than it is.

[@rubyNOIR7]

I need to learn this technique. I have an actual solder test tomorrow.

[@T0berius]

Very professinal work dude. Thanks to share with us. Keep going with this video tutorials. Greetings from Argentina.

[@headbangerstudiomx]

Great skills, getting a decent station just because of this video. An extra mention for the music, can't go wrong with metal.

[@ReCkLeSsErr0r]

Best soldering job. EVER.

[@sasanazizipour7602]

WOW Your work was incredibly clean and excellent . 👌👏

[@pawancdoembros4684]

Hello I like your way of soldering and I am also doing soldering smd components QFN and BGA package as well .

[@cgmarner]

Never seen this technique of soldering before. Very Kool.

[@johnfreddygomezdaza5896]

I thought it was a machine, incredible. Amazing hand soldering techniques! Please, Which is the band that plays the background music?

[@joaopagotto]

Hello friend, did you discover a song?

[@johnfreddygomezdaza5896]

No yet, Do you know?

[@johnyang799]

Molotov by Dan Morrissey

[@theviking6593]

very professional , amazing job and amazing video

[@jkgamm041]

Thank you very much. I hope that all viewers find this to be educational and informative. It's all about sharing and continuous improvement. My best to you.

[@H4v0kksh0tgunMan]

Great vid, great music..great workmanship!