Reddit mentions of MG Chemicals Tapered Cotton Swab, 6" Length (Pack of 100)

Someone posted what I use but deleted their comment so:

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Tweezers: https://www.amazon.ca/Hakko-3-SA-Non-Magnetic-Microelectronics-Applications/dp/B00FZPEWI6/

I use a hot air station: https://www.amazon.ca/WEP-858D-Soldering-Station-Suitable/dp/B0055B6NGE/

Pcb Holder: https://www.amazon.ca/Circuit-Holder-Adjustable-Soldering-Repairing/dp/B075DCBR24/

Microscope to find bad joints and loose solder balls: https://www.amazon.ca/Plugable-Microscope-Flexible-Observation-Magnification/dp/B00XNYXQHE/

Solder paste: https://www.digikey.ca/products/en/soldering-desoldering-rework-products/solder/262?FV=ffe00106%2C2dc186b&quantity=0&ColumnSort=-1000009&page=1&pageSize=25&pkeyword=solder+paste

I like these to clean paste or flux https://www.amazon.ca/MG-Chemicals-Tapered-Cotton-Length/dp/B008OA8488/

Conical Tip for small pin fixing https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/578-ETS

Beveled tip for drag soldering if needed https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/577-EW-511

ST-Link-v2 (programmer) https://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/stmicroelectronics/ST-LINK-V2/497-10484-ND/2214535

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What I do is put a glob of paste on a piece of paper and dip the syringe tip lightly to make a smaller glob hang off the tip, then place the small glob from the tip on the pad I'm doing. I know this isn't the right way but its the easiest I've done.

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When the pieces are in place I set the hot air to 450ish and lower air flow so it doesn't blow pieces off the board. When the solder solidifies most the time everything gets aligned to the pads (capacitors will randomly stick straight up but is fixed by poking it with tweezers)

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I start with Ic's then check under the microscope for bridges or loose solder balls. then resistors/caps. Double check again for anything wrong and if its good program it with the st-link. Once thats good I put on the pots/buttons/leds

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For faceplates, I tried at first to 3d print them. Didn't look the best, made it look cheap. So I just order faceplates when I order the pcb's now. They cost a lot but I want them to look nice when done.