When SparkFun first got started, we used the classic hot-plate technique for solder reflow. As we grew, it became more and more necessary for us to invest in a reflow oven. So we did - buying a used 1985 Vitronics SMD 300 Reflow Oven.
Isn't he handsome?
We lovingly named him "Gramps," and though curmudgeonly, he has served us well. Gramps has worked on thousands of SparkFun widgets and is still kicking it like it's 1985. Unfortunately (for Gramps at least), we recently bought a newer oven with all the bells and whistles. So it has come to this - rather than ship Gramps off to the old folks home, we are trying to find him a new place to live. Gramps is for sale.
You can see Gramps in the left side of old production. Yes, Gramps has seen it all.
If you're interested, we have a Craigslist ad posted. The asking price is $1500 (though we will certainly entertain any reasonable offers). Gramps is in good shape and fully-functioning. He has 6 heating zones (3 top, 3 bottom) and comes equipped with dual ventilation and an instruction manual. All he needs from you is 220V/50A and your love and affection. Gramps is from 1985, so there is no warranty implied here and pickup is on your shoulders (not literally, Gramps is pretty heavy). If you're interested, check out the ad and shoot us an email!
You know what would be awesome? If someone bought him, slapped in an Arduino, some wheels and a motor and entered him into the AVC in April.
Bonus points for airborne.
+1
ditto
You should send gramps to the farm, where he can run around and play with all the other reflow ovens.
I'm interested.. Does gramps fit in an envelope? The shipping alone costs allot... (Europe)
~JWRM~
No, but be on the lookout for the biggest f'n red cardboard box you've ever seen in your life. :)
I was partially correct... I instantly realized the 'stars' were tiny boards placed there by deft wrists, but I envisioned irritated production monkeys hurling their mistakes without looking. Keep them fed Mr. Seidle, keep them fed...
Take it from a real OLD timer, Gramps is probably leaving because Grams is arriving.
Good luck old timer.
would love to give home to Gramps but HK is little too far
Can I also use this as a toaster oven?
I wonder what reflow profile one might use to flow butter into the nooks and crannies of an English muffin...
EDIT: Did that come across sounding dirty to anyone else? Maybe I just don't trust the phrase "nooks and crannies"
Yea sure, if you're cooking for your ex
"Is this bagel RoHS compliant?"
"Mostly."
"..."
Valentine's Day must've been rough this year, lol
yes, if you want to "reflow" the butter! :)
So when I click on the link for "gramps" under new products I get:
Product Not Found
Sorry! The product you're looking for no longer exists.
Perhaps you could try searching for what you're looking for?
If you add an LED and a coin cell to the ninja stars, you could have a ninja throwie!
Twinkle twinkle little ninja star.
I would buy those ninja stars for $2 each.
If they were.. autograph signed by Nathan, how much would you pay?
;)
So what is the newer oven with all the bells and whistles that you guys bought?
I have to save my money to buy SparkFun Ninja-Stars and a hanging ceiling to stick them in.
He looks so sad. I hope he finds a good home.
Okay... I have to ask. What is all over the roof of your place?
Please share details on what beast has replaced Gramps :)
We replaced gramps with a MannCorp SMT 460c lead free reflow oven. That oven worked well for awhile and then we ran into some relay switch problems and went looking for another oven. We then found a Vitronics Isotherm 500. This serves as our main oven now, with the fixed SMT 460c as a backup.
Is the new oven the reason for the low Dings and Dents stock? If so, please fire up Gramps again! ;)
That's a part of it, yes. But, also, the production crew continues to grow stronger/better by the day! Our people, processes, tools, and innovative assembly & testing methods have been developing and improving consistently over the last 4-5 years.
But, stay on the lookout for more dings & dents. Production perfection is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. ;)
So we're adding more and more E-Textiles these days and the notion of purchasing a high-powered spooling machine for all of our conductive thread bobbins came up in a recent meeting. When the idea was tossed out that it be named "Grams" as the sewing counterpart to Gramps, a loud, harmonious, collective awwwww was emitted from the ladies in the room. This sound is not particularly common within SparkFun's walls.
Sadly, it looks as if Gramps may take his leave before Grams arrives. =/
If I had the cash, I'd snap this up in a minute. However, I don't have the cash, or the ability to pay for the huge Xcel bill Gramps would create.
BTW, I remember seeing Gramps in the old production area upstairs back when Polycom was downstairs.
The ninja stars look cool though!
Yeah.... What are those things stuck to the ceiling tiles? SF ninja stars?
Dang!! Guessed right!
What are all the things stuck in the ceiling?
Pieces of the machine Gramps replaced. Left there as a reminder to everyone that 220V, 50A is a lot of power.
...or at least that's the explanation I'm going with.
Close. They are ninja stars. We are all ninjas.
Wait, not really. When we made LilyPad's, a little piece of PCB broke out of the middle that was kinda shaped like a ninja star. The production folks became quit adept at hurling them into the ceiling. So in a way, we kinda are ninjas.
Why aren't you selling those? Sparkfun ninja stars would be in high demand!
Yeah, then I could make a huge Free Day order and after it gets here, take a picture of myself while...
wearing an SFE labcoat with pocket protector and the ninja stars, all the T-Shirts, that wrist belt, and safety glasses AND drinking out of the SF mug, writing in the notebook, and using all the other swag.
That would be KILLAH-LY AHH-SUM!!!
Seriously, just sell them, and many people will be happy.
...I'll give ya a dollar for a star.
I remember when that happened. Still wish you could sell some! Hmm, could this be the start of Ninjadunios? Haha.
This is amazing. I definitely want to work at Sparkfun.
On a related note, small-diameter capacitors fit into Airsoft guns remarkably well.
So when is that "old" pick-and-place machine going for $1500?
wiggles eyebrows
poor 'Gramps'......i hope he finds a good home......one where he can retire in style and eat Jello and watch Jeopardy anytime he wants