Re: OPEN SOURCE: New Boost Drive, 2.4A capable from one cell, tested and working
Protip: keep solder paste in the fridge/freezer and it will last a long time.
Also, this is just speculation but I think those cheap paste tubs on ebay and whatever are just repackaged solder paste that has expired and won't be used by factories anymore. Probably been sitting in a warehouse for a while too. So if you get some name brand from a good source I'm sure it would last longer.
With a little patience and a steady hand it could be hand soldered. Hardest part will be the inductor. You will have to tin the pads and make sure there is plenty of flux on them (go light on the solder). Tin the inductor if it isn't already (ferrite ones usually are, but not powdered iron). Set the inductor on the pads and begin to heat one of the pads on an exposed corner with your iron. Once it melts pretty good quickly go to the other. Switch 2 or 3 times until you get them both liquid at the same time and the inductor gets fully seated.
The rest of the process will be pretty straight forward just like YouTube videos on smd hand soldering. Just be sure you put the inductor on first so the other parts don't get messed up by all the excess heat.