I'm considering tooling up for surface mount devices and
How much is this going to cost?

I'd be doing it is stages .
Soldering de-soldering of discrete devices then for instance tool up
test gear probes then chip probes and blocks.

Anyone tooled up for surface mount care to go through the initial kit
they got, capital outlays, how much it is used and if it has been
profitable or not. What is considered essential kit to start with?

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Z
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Hi!

I've used JBC products for PC mainboard repair, a lot cheaper than
others. Used it for QFPs and PLCCs. It costs US$ 2,390 with all
accessories for the JT7000
(http://www.howardelectronics.com/jbc/jt7000.html) . I've evaluated
other brands, they don't come close with ease of use. A medium sized QFP
can be removed in 20 secs! Quick removal translates to less PCB/chip
damage.

Removing the SMT part is the easy part, profitabilty is another.

Regards.