Laser Pointer Forums - Discuss Laser Pointers | High Power Lasers

Hello All,

I have some soldering experience but not with SMD components. I heard it is possible to solder them with hand but just time consuming and requires a good soldering iron. Which soldering iron would you recommend?

Also, is it needed to solder the central pad to an IC like this? I want to make a couple benboost minis and the PCB has 8 holes under the IC. Do I feed solder through those holes?

Thanks!