Tool Tutorial

Prerequisites

Electronics Area Clearance

Warnings

🟢 The oven software has been replaced with the open source software from unified engineering. Consult that instead of the manufacturers manual.

⚠️ Solder may contain Lead, Always use proper ventilation or fume extraction when working with the soldering equipment. Flux vapors can also be irritating to people. Use in a well ventilated area

🚫Do not leave the reflow oven plugged in when not in use.

🚫Do not power off the oven until it has cooled.

⚠️Ensure that your components are safe to use in the oven

Tool Anatomy

Soldering Safety Guidelines

General Soldering Safety

  1. Turn the unit off or unplug it when not in use.
  2. Different boards and soldiers need different temperatures don’t start out too hot
  3. Give any soldered surface a minute or two to cool down before you touch it.

Work Safely with Solder, Flux, and Cleaners

  1. Use lead free solder paste
  2. Keep cleaning solvents in dispensing bottle to reduce inhalation hazards.
  3. Always wash your hands with soap and water after soldering.
  4. Read and understand the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all materials before beginning work (e.g., http://jr.chemwatch.net/chemwatch.web/account/login).

Dangers of Lead Exposure

Lead (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/) on your skin can be ingested and lead fumes can be given off during soldering. Other metal (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/index.html) fumes can also be hazardous. Lead can have serious chronic health effects, such as reproductive problems, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain.

Avoid Toxic Fumes

Work in a well‐ventilated area, to prevent the mildly caustic and toxic fumes from building up and causing eye or throat irritation.. The smoke formed is mostly from the flux which can be irritating, a sensitizer and aggravates asthma. Avoid breathing it by keeping your head to the side of, not above, your work.

Reduce Risk From Electricity

Always use a grounded outlet and grounding prong to reduce the risk of electrical damage if a short circuit occurs in the equipment.

Fire Prevention

Work on a fire‐proof or nonflammable surface that is not easily ignited.
Never leave flammable items (such as paper) near the reflow oven. Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

First Aid

Immediately cool the affected area under cold water for 15 minutes.
Do not apply any creams or ointments. Cover with a band‐aid.
Seek medical attention if the burn covers an area bigger than 3 inches across.

Waste

  1. Discard lead and silver solder and dross in a container with a lid.
  2. Label the container: “Lead (Silver) Solder Waste for Recycling”.
  3. Used solder sponges and contaminated rags must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
  4. Keep a lid on waste solder containers when not adding or removing material.

Tool Care

Inspection

Cleaning

Tool Operation

Consult the Unified Engineering Wiki for information on how to use the firmware. https://github.com/UnifiedEngineering/T-962-improvements/wiki

⚠️Ensure that your components are safe to use in the oven


Revision #3
Created 10 January 2025 16:17:12 by Paul Mazaitis
Updated 28 April 2025 00:59:22 by Bookstack Admin