In a message dated 12/24/98 2:00:27 PM Pacific Standard Time, allisonp(a)world.std.com writes: A cast Iron frying pan works well to float a pool of solder in. There are even square frying pans. I have had some success with the new generation of propane micro torches when I need to straighten leads before pulling. Once, I got from Intel a couple of solder pots that pumped molten solder up against a circuit board and then drained off to the sides. It was designed to work on large circuit cards by flowing solder against a 4" section at a time. I also had a couple of bench machines that use hot air for component removal, usually surface mount stuff It pays to use a good commercial heat gun for component removal. They have better temperature regulation. Hot Air Guns made for component removal are expensive but you can get tips for almost all of the chip packages. With a little bit of creative metal bending you can make your own tips for a std commercial heat gun. Paxton