Soldering / Hot Air Station

[DanF]

Was thinking of upgrading from my basic Pro's Kit 1PK-SC109B (http://www.proskit.com.tw/en/product/product_detail.asp?itemid=1PK-SC109B)

to

AOYUE Int968A+ RepairingStation Hot Air Soldering Station 3in1
(http://www.aoyue.eu/aoyue-int968a-repairing-station-hot-air-soldering-station-3in1-with-tweezer.html)

Some of the DC Jack repairs are getting difficult with the Pro's Kit soldering iron. Not to mention that I cannot find any different tips. What do you think of such an investment? It's within my budget (would set me back €170 / $207).

 

[Dave1320]

I think you should get it. Seems like you do these often and should only take a few jobs to get a ROI. Then you have a solid tool and all the money is yours and with less labor and frustration.

 

[DanF]

ROI in 2 / 3 jobs.

What do you think about the actual specs of the machine?

 

[Dave1320]

ROI in 2 / 3 jobs.

What do you think about the actual specs of the machine?

I'm not one to give a review on the device. Was just reassuring that a better unit will be better for you. When I purchase mine, I'm going to grab a desoldier tool as well. Saw a post the other day it makes taking the bad jack out a piece of cake.

 

[phaZed]

I have that very same unit and use it 3-4 times or more per week for the past 2 years.. Has been a solid unit with zero issues. The only complaint I have with it is that the soldering iron holder is pretty cheesy (but works fine)... and it only came with a pointed pencil tip for the iron (Which is commonplace, yet, the worst type of tip for most work). Get yourself a chisel or bullnose tip set for the iron and your golden ($10 for a set, ). The hot air side of things has never given me any issues, heats up fast (~30-45 secs) and is very effective. The unit came with an extra hot air heating element and I bought 2 extra elements after seeing some reviews online saying they burn out quickly... but I still have not replaced the original element yet.

I say go for it!

 

[pceinc]

We have a Aoyue unit similar to this one. It's decent for the price. We used to do a lot of re-flows but not so much anymore. It's strictly used for DC jack repairs now. The vacuum on the iron makes it so much easier.

I did use the hot air side with a small 1/2" square to heat up some copper adhesive tape on an HP LCD panel the other day.

 

[DanF]

Which soldering tip you think is the most ideal from the below?

http://www.aoyue.eu/aoyue-tip-lf-wq-t-gp-soldering-station-hotair-repairing-desoldering.html

Also found this on Ebay. Doesn't seem to be listed on their website:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aoyue-T-1...Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item5affa90da9

 

[DataMedics]

I have the station you're looking at and the hot air works great, has good temp control, etc. Only thing I don't care for is that the soldering iron takes a long time to heat up compared with other irons that I have here. Still a good investment even for the occasional SMD rework.

It's also nice that it accepts Hakko brand tips which are easily available in many different shapes/sizes.

 

[DataMedics]

As for tips I'm partial to the Hakko 900M-T-1C tips: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replace-S...Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item418bf58573

Great for the really small spots.

 

[DanF]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Just ordered the machine and it was shipped. Will be getting a set of Hakko T-type tips off ebay (they are pretty cheap, so not sure if they are originals)... will try them anyway.

 

[acesdeals]

I would go with the Atten 858, the pump is inside the wand which makes for a more consistent and even temperature

 

[phaZed]

I would go with the Atten 858, the pump is inside the wand which makes for a more consistent and even temperature

The Atten is a good unit, no doubt. However, I fail to see how having the air pump inside the handle will make for a more consistent temperature. These units are fitted with a thermistor on the heating element or discharge port and will hold their temperature digitally (Closed loop) regardless of where the air pump is located.

As far as the Aoyue goes.. the output is steady and is strong enough to blow small SMD's off the board when turned on full.