US Soldering Services

[Thechemist]

Currently not taking any new orders until further notice

I am offering soldering services to US residents who would like to have the following done.

• SMD soldering / desoldering
• Thru-Hole soldering / desodering
• Repairs to an extent
• Full keyboard assembly ( spring replacement / lubing / stickers / leds / sip sockets / resistors / programming )

Currently I am charging case-by-case basis but it should come out to around ~$15 an hour. Since most of the work will vary I will provide you a quote and that is what will be charged unless you decide to change what is being done.

You will also be responsible for shipping back to you and sometimes you can get cheaper rates than flat rate shipping, this is why I haven't put down a specific rate. You will pay what I will pay for shipping, no more no less.

So you are asking yourself why would I pick you? well I provide a lot of updates to let you know how things work, if for some reason I am unable to perform a task you will get a prompt message to see what we can work out rather than not answer your messages.

If you need some soldering done other than keyboard related, send me a message I might be able to help you out. I have done few PC motherboards ( no cpu socket replacements ) and quite a few T.V. boards.

If you have some bare pcb's laying around because you are uncomfortable doing the SMD work maybe you don't have time or the tools to complete the keyboard, send me a message.

You can check the quality of my work below by zooming in on the solder joints or asking anyone that I have done work for.

Equipment:

Soldering:

• Pace WJS-100  / TD-100 wit 1128 tips
• Pace ST-50  / TD-100 with 1124 tips
• Hakko Fm-202 / 2027 with T15 tips
• Hakko Fp-102 / 2027 with T15 tips

Desoldering:

• Hakko Fm-2024
• Aoyue 2702 with Hakko A100x tip

Hot Air:

• Hakko 803B
• Aoyue 2702

Preheater:

• Shopping around

Paste Dispenser:

• 982A

Reflow Oven:

• Gathering parts

*** I use about a pound of solder every 6 months so my solder isn't older than that. ***

*** SMD paste is stored in freezer and replaced every 6 months. ***

What I have completed so far keyboard related ( that I can recall ):

• Complete SMD soldering for GH pad, green pcb ( 3 revisions and one unreleased v.00 with no silk screen)
• Complete SMD soldering for GH pad, white pcb 4x5 with silk screen error
• Complete SMD soldering for GH pad, black pcb 4x5 and 4x6 
• TG3 Bl82
• Lightsaver V1 and V2
• Duck mini
• SMD soldering for JD40 Ver.2 red PCB
• SMD soldering of 60% FaceU pcb
• Full SMD soldering of PS2AVR A.87
• Full SMD soldering of PS2AVR MX-Mini
• Full SMD soldering of TRIK pcb with assembly
• Full SMD soldering of Blue pcb ergo-dox
• Full SMD soldering of White pcb ergo-dox
• JD40 green pcb prototype full assembly
• JD40 red pcb prototype full assembly
• JD45 blue pcb prototype SMD
• Complete mod on Poker X, Poker II pcb including smd resistor swap
• CM QFR switch swaps, trace fixes and usb connector replacements
• Ducky Shine II SMD switching diode replacement, switch replacement
• Ducky Shine III SMD switching diode replacement, switch replacement
• KBT Race SMD switching diode and led resistor replacement
• KBT Pure SMD resistor replacement, switch replacement
• Keycool 87 Switch replacement
• Keycool 84 Switch replacement
• Noppoo Choc Mini 84 switch replacement
• USB connector fix / Replacement on Orion
• USB connector fix / Replacement on KMAC 1.3
• USB connector fix / Replacement on Lightsaver
• USB connector fix / Replacement on Poker / X / II
• USB connector fix / Replacement on QFR daughter board
• USB connector fix / Replacement on Ducky Mini
• USB connector fix / Replacement on V60
• Das 4 Ribbon cable fix
• Complete Phantom assembly
• Complete Kmac 1.2 and 2 assembly
• Full GON Nerd SMD soldering
• Complete GON MX-Mini assembly
• Green pcb 75% from OTD outside switch through hole switching diode mod that allows in switch leds
• KBParadise v60 Replaced ripped of usb connector and re routed traces to pcb
• more will be added once It will come back to me
• Poker II damage usb connector replacements
• Full Assembly of LZ-B8 with extra RGB strip and custom switches
• SMD solder and assembly B.87R with custom switches
• Full Assembly of 360 corsa with SMD soldering, custom switches and programming
• Full Assembly of Duck Viper with custom switches
• Full Assembly of Duck OCtagon with custom switches
• Realforce 87U 55g to 45g swap, sliders lubed with Krytox
• HKKB Pro 2 Types-S 45g to 55g swap, sliders lubed with Krytox

Keyboard Controllers:

• Xwhatsit Controller for Kishsaver
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Frosty Flake controller
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Ghost squid controller
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Kitten Paw controller
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Pegasus Hoof controller
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Black Petal controller
• Full SMD soldering of Bpiphany Apple core controller
• Full SMD soldering of Hasu HHKB controller Ver.C

Switch Mods:

• Stem swaps
• Spring swaps
• Lubing
• Stickers
• Sip Sockets
• Switch top led mod

Stabilizer Mods:

• Clipped legs on Stems
• Lubing

T.V. Motherboards:

• SMD IC replacement
• SMD cap replacement and upgrades

Computer Motherboards:

• SMD / through hole Capacitor replacements
• SMD Bios chip replacement
• 24pin female socket replacement, both right angle and vertical

** Send me your SMD prototypes **

Contact Infromation:

Email:
Thechemist_19@yahoo.com


Feedback:

Heatware

Please leave feedback in this thread and on heatware, good or bad so that everyone can see it; thank you.

Public Announcement:

I have done quite few clear switch tops ( not the cherry clear tops ) paired with clear stems which are already tight on keycaps, may cause the clear switch tops to crack when changing keycaps and have the stems come out.

I haven't used these clear switch tops extensively so I cannot say if this is very common but I have already had to replace two switches on a brand new built keyboard. This information is only for the clear switch tops ( reproduction )  and does not apply to the other colors since I have no experience with them first hand.

Bellow are 3 out of 4 Abostudio switch tops I randomly taken out of my 50+ order, these are unused and in no way have been altered or messed with by me and have not been installed on a switch. They have been kept in original packaging with no damage to the box so this looks like a manufacturing QC issue.

[Thechemist]

Duck Viper












Duck Octagon

• green alpha switches
• lubed tactile gray switches on mods
• sip sockets mod for switch top removal
• white 2x3x4 leds

• Hasu Rev.C HHKB Pro2 controller
• Full SMD

• sanded aluminum KMAC plate 400/500/800/1000/1200/1500/2000 then polished on a wheel
• clear switches with stock springs
• lubed with Krytox 205 + 103 gpl
• clear switch tops
• dark red stickers
• sip sockets on all led keys
• 2x3x4 blue diffused leds
• modded and lubed stabilizers

• 360 Corsa
• SMD soldering
• thru-hole switching diodes soldered on the back
• lubed clears with Krytox 205 + 103 GPL with gold springs
• lubed and modded stabilizers
• sip sockets on caps lock and scroll lock
• 2x3x4 green leds

• Ergo-clear switches with blue spring
• Lubed with Krytox 205gpl and  Krytox 105gpl
• Clear switch tops
• Sip sockets
• Stabilizer mod with Krytox 205gpl
• AboStudio Number Pad
• Blue diffused 2x3x4 leds in swtiches and under the pcb
• Switched smd resistors where it has 2 leds per switch so that both have same brightness
• JD designed 2 piece Stainless Steel case
• Polished with 320/500/800/1000/1200/1500/2000 then with black and green compound on a polishing wheel

• Kishsaver
• Xwhatsit Controller installation
• Kapton tape used on the controller and ribbon cable

• LZ-B8
• 62g springs
• clear switch tops
• 1.8mm white leds
• blue sticker
• stab mod

• B.87R
• clear switches
• clear switch tops
• blue stickers
• 65g springs
• 1.8mm leds
• stab mod
• SMD soldering diodes and resistors

• clear swiches with stock spring and Krytox 205 gpl with red stickers and clear tops
• white switch on caps lock
• tactile gray on spacebar
• red 2x3x4 leds with white on top row

• Smd switching diodes
• clear swites
• sip socket mod on the 3 indicator leds for switch top removal
• Czarek pvc case left hand mod

• green switches with stickers
• sip socket mod on all switches for easy led swap
• 2x3x4 leds

• black lubed switches with stickers
• sip socket mod on all switches for easy led swap
• 2x3x4 leds

• Green pcb gh prototype v1.0? pad
• all Smd components soldered ( chip, switching diodes, crystal, caps, etc )
• programmed and tested

• Gon TKL 2.0 Kmac pcb swap
• 2x3x4 indicator led mod
• original kmac plate mod for space bar wire clearance
• lubed black switches with 75g gold Korean springs
• 3mm round leds put back in original Kmac positions
• Smd resistors for all in switch leds and Smd switching diodes

• 65g Korean spring lubed switches
• true UV ( purple ) 2x3x4 leds
• 56Ω resistor swap for full 3.4fv @30mA for super birght UV led
• stabilizer mod and lube

Capacitor replacement for Ivans motherboard

[SpAmRaY]

I can vouch the Thechemist, he salvaged some boards for me and was very quick and a great communicator!!

[BunnyLake]

i havent had a board made by the chemist, but i have spoken with him a lot, and seen examples of his work and heard many positive reviews, great guy

[Thechemist]

I can vouch the Thechemist, he salvaged some boards for me and was very quick and a great communicator!!

i havent had a board made by the chemist, but i have spoken with him a lot, and seen examples of his work and heard many positive reviews, great guy

Thank you, this means a lot coming from you guys.

[jdcarpe]

I also want to give another endorsement of Thechemist's services. He has helped with several of my projects, when I needed someone with experience and the right equipment to do some SMD soldering for me.

Thechemist has worked on several projects for me both in the past, and currently. His work is always very professional and is completed quickly. He is very dedicated to any project he is working on, and he will not cease to toil away at your project until he has it completed to his own high standards. While he is working on your project, he will send you frequent status updates to you know how everything is going, and to ask any questions he may have about exactly how you want things done.

I fully endorse Thechemist and his outstanding work. You can't go wrong commissioning him to work for you.

[lightsout714]

Posting here so I can find this later.

[terrpn]

Posting here so I can find this later.

ditto

[Blackehart]

+1 for some awesome work and even better attitude!

[prophit]

Just PM'd you to see if you can build 2 ergodoxes and lube the switches.

Thanks

[Thechemist]

Just PM'd you to see if you can build 2 ergodoxes and lube the switches.

Thanks

Replied.

[archer]

ygpm!

[mashby]

Just wanted to give my voice my recommendation for Thechemist's work. 

I sent him a beta GHPad PCB and parts for some SMD solder work and could not be more thrilled. His turn around time was blazingly fast and not only did he do the work I requested, he also went above and beyond. He flashed the board and supplemented additional parts that I did not include to ensure that it was fully operational.

If you're looking for soldering services, I can't recommend Thechemist enough. Truly an outstanding vendor.


SMD Close Up by cpkey, on Flickr

[prophit]

I can say I just used him to help me finish my 2 ergodoxes and I am thrilled by the outcome. He was very professional and kept me updated frequently during the build.

Also he helped talk me out of lubing the green switches I used for this build. He was 110% right on his recommendation, turns the amazing greens into a clear/brown hybrid with very little clicky sensation.

If you are on the fence about using his services I will tell you right now you wont be disappointed and his soldering jobs are amazing.

[Blackehart]

Thechemist did a bang up job on replacing the filthy reds on my lightsaver for some delicious scrumptious stickered and lubed clears!
He also replaced some leds for a different color.

Fast turnaround, Awesome attitude, and reasonable prices!

 

[Sygaldry]

YGPM!

[j0hnny]

is this still active?

[Thechemist]

is this still active?

Yes, pm replied.

[Rebral]

Posting here so I can find this later.

Same.

[Blackehart]

This guy right here...


Upgraded my Ducky Shine 3 from girlie man reds to ULTRUBERMENSCH Tactile Greys!


 


Good stuff!

[archer]

I'd like to add to this thread. Thechemist helped me out a month or so ago upgrading my Mx-Mini (switch swapping, LED upgrades, rewired a couple things). Throughout the entire process, Thechemist was extremely professional and communicative. I never had any question in my mind as to what was going on with my kbd... he is a stand-up dude that does great work. 

Thanks again!

[fathom]

I had Thechemist do some work for me. I accidentally severed the flex cable on my Das 4 and was unable to fix it myself. I sent it off to him, he repaired it then sent it back the same day he received it.

Highly recommended.

[Thechemist]

I don't take many pictures of my work but you can check out some of the work above, right click on image and open in new tab to zoom on joints.

[Dr.Chipotle]

well this isnt an offer but since you know what your doing, can you help me out? I put in a few switches in my razer blackwidow te and when i pluged it in to see they work, none of the keys worked. Not only the keys i put in didnt work but the entire keyboard didnt and it was working perfectly fine the day before. Can you explain to me how that happend?

[Thechemist]

well this isnt an offer but since you know what your doing, can you help me out? I put in a few switches in my razer blackwidow te and when i pluged it in to see they work, none of the keys worked. Not only the keys i put in didnt work but the entire keyboard didnt and it was working perfectly fine the day before. Can you explain to me how that happend?

I have sent you a message.

[Battou62]

I am here to leave another glowing review for Thechemist. He's been helping me on my road to choosing a Korean custom for a while now. His work and communication are top notch, and he has shown lots of patience as he guided through the process. Highly recommended.

[Thechemist]

I just want to thank everyone for the awesome compliments. 

I have also updated my first post with what I have completed so far that I can recall.

Updated contact information and heatware.

Please leave your expirence in this thread so that others may see it, pictures are welcomed. 

[FrostyToast]

These photos are absolutely amazing!
Apologies if I am being oblivious, but what did you do to those switches to make the blue LEDs diffuse so well and evenly?
Did you put LEDs inside the housing or something?

[Thechemist]

These photos are absolutely amazing!
Apologies if I am being oblivious, but what did you do to those switches to make the blue LEDs diffuse so well and evenly?
Did you put LEDs inside the housing or something?

Thanks, I just used some 2x3x4 blue diffused leds and I guess that combined with clear switch tops and reflective plate gives it that effect.

[Thechemist]

[Bromono]

Thank you for the fantastic job! Incredibly helpfull and super fast on all replies. Was really surprised you where able to do all the work so fast and with such great quality. Thanks again! I will be deffinetly be having you build my red scarf

[KushZEN]

Insanely fast turn around time, great work, awesome communication. Overall, a life saver. I just wanna say thank you for saving my daily driver board.

[Thechemist]

Public Announcement:

I have done quite few clear switch tops ( not the cherry clear tops ) paired with clear stems which are already tight on keycaps, may cause the clear switch tops to crack when changing keycaps and have the stems come out.

I haven't used these clear switch tops extensively so I cannot say if this is very common but I have already had to replace two switches on a brand new built keyboard. This information is only for the clear switch tops ( reproduction )  and does not apply to the other colors since I have no experience with them first hand.

[TrulyNolan]

Would you be able to repair a BlackWidow Ultimate that got pee'd on? No idea where I'd find the backlit switches, but J-K-L-;-,-. are all dead.

[jdcarpe]

Would you be able to repair a BlackWidow Ultimate that got pee'd on? No idea where I'd find the backlit switches, but J-K-L-;-,-. are all dead.

Not really fair to ask someone to work on a biohazard...

[Thechemist]

Would you be able to repair a BlackWidow Ultimate that got pee'd on? No idea where I'd find the backlit switches, but J-K-L-;-,-. are all dead.

I would have to pass on this. In this situation you are better off purchasing another keyboard.

[sethk_]

Would you be able to repair a BlackWidow Ultimate that got pee'd on? No idea where I'd find the backlit switches, but J-K-L-;-,-. are all dead.

Your better off just buying another BW, they are cheap enough, and they have been going on sale a lot.

[sleepy916]

Thechemist soldered the xwhatsit controller for my kish and did a fantastic job. I have no complaints at all! Thanks again!

It will be my daily driver until it breaks down...

[TrulyNolan]

Would you be able to repair a BlackWidow Ultimate that got pee'd on? No idea where I'd find the backlit switches, but J-K-L-;-,-. are all dead.

Your better off just buying another BW, they are cheap enough, and they have been going on sale a lot.

It's the Mac edition with MX Blues. Not really easy to find.

[Thechemist]

First post has been updated with pictures on the QC / Manufacturing problem with the clear switch tops.

[cptmullet]

sent a pm about an ergodox 

[Thechemist]

sent a pm about an ergodox 

Replied.

[tricheboars]

sent you a message. in desperate need of some help. 

[Thechemist]

Recovering from a compressed nerve in my neck, will update everyone tomorrow.

[radio_killah]

Recovering from a compressed nerve in my neck, will update everyone tomorrow.

Ouch, that sucks. Hope you are feeling better today.

[KatzenKinder]

Hope you're feeling better soon! I totally don't need anyone to help me fix the Filco I just acquired 

[radio_killah]

I hope this compressed nerve hasn't turned into anything serious!

[Thechemist]

Recovering from a compressed nerve in my neck, will update everyone tomorrow.

Ouch, that sucks. Hope you are feeling better today.

Feeling much better now, I rushed the recovery last week and it hurt my neck again.

Hope you're feeling better soon! I totally don't need anyone to help me fix the Filco I just acquired 

Thanks, what is wrong with the Filco?

I hope this compressed nerve hasn't turned into anything serious!

No but rushing the recovery delayed it even more. I am replying to emails and messages tonight.

[KatzenKinder]

It's got some sticky switches, so I figured I'd just see if I could get the whole thing overhauled with Gaterons from the upcoming GB.

[Bromono]

Recovering from a compressed nerve in my neck, will update everyone tomorrow.

Ouch, that sucks. Hope you are feeling better today.

Feeling much better now, I rushed the recovery last week and it hurt my neck again.

Hope you're feeling better soon! I totally don't need anyone to help me fix the Filco I just acquired 

Thanks, what is wrong with the Filco?

I hope this compressed nerve hasn't turned into anything serious!

No but rushing the recovery delayed it even more. I am replying to emails and messages tonight.

Woooo! Was worried you where badly hurt