Alright so...I finally grew a pair and decided I'm going to try to mod this sucker, the laser will read CD-R's so I can sort of test it and if I'm successful then I'll order the new laser. Yesterday I did PWR and GND, placing the order for the chip today. My radioshack iron is as expected too big for pads, VIA's and IC Legs though, and tinning even 22 AWG is a pain with this 1MM tip! I planned on ordering an iron from MM Newman's website as well as the chip today. Should I go with a 12 or 15watt iron? I know I need 30 AWG Kynar, some flux, a magnifying glass or lens of some sort...also what size tip would you recommend? The only real soldering I've done is on a Sega Saturn, and an alarm clock, so the smaller the better. I'd rather struggle with a tip too small then have to worry too much about messing up. I've got lots of free time and I figure I may as well put it to good use and try to do this.