Mike,
 
we are using what´s called here in germany a "Kugeltisch".
Think of it as let´s say a saladbowl resting in a ring that allows for
tilting up to 45°. On top of it sits a bearing mounted plate that allows for
easy turn in whatever direction you want and any angle you need. Adjusting
the midpoint of your plate to the center of your vision field allows you to
"look around components" without runing out of sight.
Of course it´s made out of dissipative material ( means ESD safe) and in
addition has a vaccuum feature that allows for locking a desired position
for rework purposes.
I also tested one of their protoypes with an X-Y-sliding table mounted to
the plate but that turned out to be to time consuming mounting and turning
the boards.
 
I personally like this thing very much ( and I have to admit that the basic
idea to use some arrangement like described above developed in intense
discussions with the supplier of our optical equipment many years ago) but I
don´t know if something similar is available on the other side of the pond.
Here it is distributed by a small company with the focus on custom made
optical equipment and accessoires and they have problems finding reliable
distributors for other areas.
But, maybe something like that can be found in your area. 
 
It´s a low-priced solution that´s fun to use and loved by our and other
operators.
 
Wolfgang

-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: Mike Sewell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Gesendet am: Dienstag, 24. Juli 2001 23:30
An: [log in to unmask]
Betreff: [TN] Inspection Jig/Support
I'm looking for a moveable/articulating jig to hold a PWB during visual 
inspection with a microscope.  The issue is the board's weight over 9 - 10hr

shift wearing down the inspector(s).  Dunno if this is would be a 
counterbalanced arm/swivel ... curious to see if anyone has any thoughts or 
similar experiences. 

Thanks in advance, 
Mike Sewell 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
To temporarily halt delivery of Technet send the following message: SET Technet NOMAIL
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases > E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------