Should Components Be Flush To The Board?

[ghetto3jon]

(sorry about the two posts in a row)

but this is a simple question. should i solder the components flush to the board, or leave a little lead so the component sticks up a little bit? when i built my T15, i left a little lead so the component sticks out a little...i figured it gives a little more time before the heat from the soldering iron heats the component. but then i noticed on the power supply (that came pre-assembled) that the parts were flush to the board.

[jmoore]

They should definitely be flush with the board. That being said, maybe somebody else (Tim) can tell you whether or not it is worth the extra work and potential hazard to resolder everything at this point.

[ghetto3jon]

yikes, re-solder. i hope not. the module works fine now.

in the directions, it said "make sure it's flush to the board" for certain things, and i did that when it said so...but otherwise i left some of the smaller capacitors and stuff sticking up a little bit. just a little bit, though, because i was concerned about soldering iron heat caused by my inexperience with an iron...but they are not sticking all over the place like crooked teeth. i could upload a pic.

[jmoore]

The caps aren't as likely to sit flush against the board due to their physical design. Therefore, I don't really think that is an issue. The diodes and resistors should be flush mounted. The main reason is for the durability of your preamp. If you think that your chassis is going to be rackmounted and never (or infrequently) moved, you probably won't run into any problems.

[ghetto3jon]

yeah, the resistors and diodes are flush. just some caps, i guess. and it's not going anywhere, so i guess i'll be ok.

thanks for the helpful feedback.