Which equipments - if you use any/practicize rom modding at all - to sold and desold would you think are the best to work with, that cost less than 100-150 bucks? Administrators feel free to delete the thread if you think its unappropriate! Thanks
I assume you mean surface-mount? I use a 20watt Weller iron with a fine top for SMD chips, and a modified Ratshack desoldering iron for reflowing and desoldering. http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/07/how-to-make-a-surface-mount-soldering-iron/ For desoldering, I use the fine-tipped Weller and carefully bend up each pin on the chip. Soldering is much easier, just tack two opposing pins on the chip to hold it in place, then blob solder over the pins. Then use some copper solder wick to remove the excess. Through-hole parts are much easier - just use an unmodified RatShack desoldering iron. All in all, I've spent 30+20+20 = $70 on my rig. I'm sure there is a way to spend more money and make things easier, but you can do a lot for cheap.
Speaking of soldering, didn't they used to put lead or something in it and that's why there is some health warning about the fumes from soldering? I remember seeing health warning on soldering materials. If I had a better idea what I was doing I'd be doing alot of desoldering, soldering, and programming of ROM chips.
Most solder still has lead in it, traditionally it's tin and lead. Now people are pushing leadfree solder because of RoHS but I believe these solders are presently inferior. Solder fumes do not contain metal particles, the fumes are from burning rosin flux and other impurities. It's uncertain whether or not the fumes are carcinogenic so just in case it's best to avoid them if possible.
