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Comment It is easily Hand Solderable (Score 4, Informative) 114

Have a look at some youtube videos of hand soldering TQFP, there are loads.
https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.io?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3F... for example

I'm happy hand soldering 0.65mm devices and I have done 0.5mm. It is easy enough to do if you are careful however my preferred method is to get a £30 stencil and use solder paste together with hand placement. I then chuck it in my £30 oven and get results good enough that my customers assume that it has been made on a pick and place machine.

Yes it takes a bit of practise and experience but certainly no expensive equipment.

Comment Re:Upwork (Score 1) 119

I started out at the very top of what other people were offering. I've now increased it further by another 50% (because I don't need the work) and I still get the same number of enquiries.

I had one customer ask why I should go with me rather than the person who was quoting 10% of what I had. I obviously said the right things as he went with me. I wouldn't worry about people who low ball quotes, the good clients can see that it isn't worth the time / effort using them.

Comment Upwork (Score 4, Informative) 119

I earn $2k - $3k a month working on jobs brokered via Upwork. This goes nicely with my main work I get locally. I've in the UK but work on projects in the US and India currently. I recommend it though you do have to be selective on who you work for. There are a lot kids looking for their homework to be done and others that are completely unrealistic on what budget is required for the job. Upwork charge 10% + $50 per customer which is reasonable I think especially as they guarantee payment.

Comment Re:Is the rate really this shit in the US? (Score 1) 190

That would be with Lloyds then.

You get 4% if (and only if) you have between £4000 and £5000 in the account. You get no additional interest for balances above £5000.

Santander 123 gives 3% for balances up to £20000 which is better overall.

However, if you have more than £20000 then good luck in finding somewhere sensible to put it. A quick look shows that the best I can find is 1.45% with RCI Bank (who?!). Better than 1.05% but not dramatically so.

Comment Re:And the confusion goes on... (Score 1) 41

There are plenty of UHD monitors around. I've got a £600 32" IPS (BENQ BL3201PT) which I can't praise enough. It is a fantastic display. There are many more at 28" with prices £250 upwards.

I used to have a dual monitor setup but there is no way I'm going back to that now. It is that much better.

Comment Re:And your favorite, hobby laser cutter is... (Score 1) 28

Ha, ha. I think you missed the bit where I said I paid £550 for the system (new).

The focal length is approx 60mm. I see the advantage in increasing this but due to the bed depth, my options are limited. Something to look at anyway.

My air pressure is 0.02MP (3 psi) and does a good job of keeping smoke away from the lens but probably not a lot else. Increasing the airflow is an option but I think the air exit nozzle needs improving as well.

Comment Re:And your favorite, hobby laser cutter is... (Score 1) 28

I have air assist cutting which is why it can get through 6mm acrylic though I don't think it is very well designed. The kerf is wider at the top than the bottom and is noticeable on 3mm which implies the set up is poor. I suspect a poor beam shape but haven't confirmed it. Any suggestions on what to check are very welcome.

Comment Re:And your favorite, hobby laser cutter is... (Score 1) 28

I have a £550 Ebay 50W laser which can cut 6mm acrylic well (though with bevelled edges currently - I'm hoping to be able to do something about this though with some better set up). I've done 6mm ply but it all came out rather burnt. Again, I'm hoping to do better once I find the ideal settings. Overall I've been impressed with what it can do for the price.

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