DIY Solder Paste Dispensing Machine

[D from BC]

Somebody recently posted a question on solder paste dispensing which
made me think of this....

Years ago, I made my own solder paste dispensing machine for about
$20.00..
I used a scrap home fridge compressor as a pressure source and
controlled the air using solenoid air valves from a scrap car.
Also..I turned the vacuum end into a smd pick and place tool too!!

It's a crazyass project but it worked great!!
...and without any net searching..
If any questions or comments...let me know..
D from BC

 

[[email protected]]

Somebody recently posted a question on solder paste dispensing which
made me think of this....

Years ago, I made my own solder paste dispensing machine for about
$20.00..
I used a scrap home fridge compressor as a pressure source and
controlled the air using solenoid air valves from a scrap car.
Also..I turned the vacuum end into a smd pick and place tool too!!

It's a crazyass project but it worked great!!
..and without any net searching..
If any questions or comments...let me know..
D from BC

Interesting. How do you handle the oil in the air?

 

[D from BC]

D from BC wrote: [snip]

Years ago, I made my own solder paste dispensing machine for about
$20.00.. [snip]
D from BC

Interesting. How do you handle the oil in the air?

I used a $2.00 automotive fuel line filter to try to filter the oil.
It was a cheap shot and I can still smell some oil.
The idea is that oil drips off the filter material and collects in
it's own plastic bottle.
Besides..I ventilate the bleed air so oil doesn't contaminate my
electronics.

I'm in the dark about the lubrication of fridge compressors.
So I just guessed to let it suck up oil to see what happens...
I used "compressor oil" from the hardware store.
When the pump started spitting oil..I stopped.
I may have overfilled causing more oil in the air.
D from BC

 

[[email protected]]

I used a $2.00 automotive fuel line filter to try to filter the oil.
It was a cheap shot and I can still smell some oil.

OK but what about the refrigerant? Just vent it to the atmosphere? Is
that legal?

 

[D from BC]

OK but what about the refrigerant? Just vent it to the atmosphere? Is
that legal?

"Ooops...my fridge fell down a flight of stairs and all the gas leaked
out...."
It's not like everybody is venting the refridgerant..
Legal...don't know.
Atmosphere polution level...don't know
Refridgerant type....don't know
If you have concerns then better to seek a drained fridge.
D from BC