Tutorials
This category is the technique library: focused, practical guides on the fundamentals that get skipped in review videos, tip care, hand soldering, stencil-and-paste assembly, and the habits that separate a solid joint from a marginal one.
Some of these are video walkthroughs, others are written guides with step-by-step photos. Both aim to be things you can follow along with at the bench, not just watch once.
SDG #076 PCB Assembly Process using JLCPCB Paste Stencil - Soldering Techniques #04
How to assemble a PCB using a JLCPCB stainless steel paste stencil, solder paste, hot air reflow and cleanup, plus tips for fixing bridges and tombstones.
SDG #073 Solder SMT Components - Soldering Techniques #03 with PCBs from JLCPCB
Practical hand-soldering guide for SMD resistors, SOIC chips, QFNs and 0402 parts using a T12 iron, flux, solder wick and drag soldering.
SDG #066 Solder Through-hole Components - Soldering Techniques #02
Practical through-hole soldering technique: iron tip choice, heating pad and lead together, flux, joint inspection and common beginner mistakes.
SDG #052 How to look after your soldering iron tip - Soldering Techniques #01
Practical soldering iron tip maintenance: tinning, temperature choice, cleaning methods and the habits that quietly destroy plated tips.