I don't know how many chips I've destroyed using the old copper tip soldering iron. Or how many boards I've used solder paste to just have components slipped in the oven. Now, I usually pass on that task to board houses or the hired tech in the office, mostly due to frustration. After watching this tutorial, I'm going to give component placement another try. With most parts going the QFN route these days, it would behoove me to learn to solder them, right?
Take a look at this tutorial, I'm sure it'll teach you a little something :
Cabe