I have a chip from maxim-ic that only comes in the 6L SOT. I don't really have the equipment I need to solder a chip this size not to mention that if I tried I would probably overheat the chip. What is the best way to deal with chips this size? Is there a cheap way to convert to a dip-6 package? I found an adapter kit at Microchip.com, looks like it might work, but it's an 8pin adapter and its $12 AC163021 - 6L SOT-23 to 8P DIP Adapter Kit . Is there a cheaper solution?
there are some other companies selling those adapters, but they won't be much cheaper.
Point probably would be, either to solder wires to each pin ( I did that when prototipying with the DS2490 )
or to make an adapter PCB, and solder with a lot of time, and being really careful the SMT-chip to your adapter, so you can use it as a normal DIP device afterwards.