Status: Ongoing Tools: Gridfinity • KiCad • Reflow Soldering • 3D Printing

Overview  

This project documents my evolving workflow for hand-assembling surface-mount PCBs. It covers component organization using 3D-printed Gridfinity systems, tape-based dispensers, vacuum pick-and-place tools, stencil alignment fixtures, and reflow soldering techniques.

Posts  

September 29, 2024  •  11 min read • Sourdough

Dough133 Assembly: Building a DIY Sourdough Proofer

Physical assembly of the Dough133 sourdough proofer, covering PCB soldering, 3D-printed component installation, and clean chassis wiring.

May 24, 2025  •  15 min read • Gridfinity

DIY SMD PCB Assembly: Tools and Organization for Hobbyists

Hobbyist techniques for hand-assembling Surface Mount Device (SMD) PCBs, featuring custom 3D-printed Gridfinity storage, manual soldering tips, and inventory tracking.

October 25, 2025  •  4 min read • PCB Assembly

Improved PCB Stencil Alignment with 3D Printed Fixtures

Improving manual solder paste printing using a custom 3D-printed stencil alignment fixture to prevent smearing and speed up assembly.

October 10, 2026  •  6 min read • PCB Assembly

Faster SMD Pick-and-Place: Tape Dispensers and Vacuum Tools

Accelerating manual SMD PCB assembly using tape-based component dispensers and an electric vacuum suction pen for passives, transistors, and LEDs.

Resources  

• GitHub: SMD-Gridfinity Storage Designs
• 3D Designs: Bulk Storage Cabinet on Printables