preheater for ca. $1000 or less - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lacek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2018, 03:46:38 pm
content: Hi,I need a preheater to work on multilayered boards and other things with large heatsink. Currently I own a T8120 preheater which does it job, however when it operates, it awfully stinks (like a $5 chinese frying pan when overheated). Not wanting to get cancer, I am willing, if needed, to spend more money on a preheater, however would prefer not to significantly exceed $1000. I would like to ask the community to recommend a preheater, preferably convection one (but I am fine with an IR). There are two types of choice:Option one is something smaller along the lines of JBC PHS preheater with approx 15x15 heating plate (approx $1100)Option two would be something along the lines of JBC PHB convection preheater with a heating plate slighly larger than A4 paper (pretty pricey - at least $2500).Is there a "serious brand" equipment which will not stink or in general give me cancer in a different way with these parameters, but something cheaper than JBC? My google searches tell my that there seems to be a major gap between $200 and $2500 equipment (with a few Ayoue models for $500).My workflow would be hot air station in one hand, tweezers in other, and preheater under both of them (so controlled size of the heating plate would be a nice option).

author: technogeeky
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2018, 06:25:23 pm
content: Quote from: lacek on April 03, 2018, 03:46:38 pmWouldn't you be able to "burn off" whatever is making the stinking by running the preheater at some high setting, for a long time, outside?

author: lacek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2018, 07:48:59 pm
content: I am not sure, most likely yes, but I have no idea how long would it take. In case of a frying pan with a plastic handle it would take I guess years to evaporate the handle. Anyway I can still return it and I think I will use that option and if I keep it I would have to survive the warranty period before I try to optimize. Most likely it is wiring or paint.

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 04, 2018, 02:54:05 am
content: I own JBC PHS (3-4 years now) and very often rework 6 layer boards with 2oz external and 1oz internal copper with no problem. It works very well, but the only complain I have is the IR light that is annoying to the eyes to work with (probably need to use special googles?).PACE PH-100 (Eurocircuits eC-pre-heater) are another pricey option minus the IR issue I am having with the JBC PHS (not sure if the PHB version will have similar 'problem')... a pancake maker used to be my preheater for many yeas before I got the JBC. It works well with no IR eye irritating issues, but otherwise no much to the JBC.

author: lacek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2018, 11:22:08 am
content: Pace is at JBC price level ($2000 level) - that is a little bit too much for me. Something for $500-$800 would be better (of course something for $200 would be best, but this is chinese area - doubtful if something decent can be found there).