Sourcing a Hakko 394 in Australia - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: liteyear
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2023, 12:37:20 am
content: I am once again stru-gg-ling to source workshop equipment in Australia. I’m after a Hakko 394 vacuum pen, but it’s a mission.[https://twitter.com/heathraftery/status/1646323993455267842?s=61&t=ukig3rbd5pjgKXagbIMgaA](https://twitter.com/heathraftery/status/1646323993455267842?s=61&t=ukig3rbd5pjgKXagbIMgaA)$USD100 RRP, but the Australian stockists are listing it for about $AUD400. And then the perpetual killer - those with stock of the tool don’t carry stock (or awareness) of the accessories. Like so many of these tools, without the consumables and tips, it’s useless. So then you’re in no man’s land taking big, drawn out chances with non-genuine alternatives.Any ideas on where to source something like this? I’ve just spent 2 weeks going back and forward with Techni-Tool in the states - credit cards, wire transfers, purchase orders, export declarations. Just one surprise after another, and then finally the clincher - advertised stock is not in stock. I just gave up and cancelled the order.

author: liteyear
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2023, 12:55:55 am
content: I even kept hard earned notes to stop me going in circles.But I’m away from the computer, so I’m sorry it’s in Markdown format for now.HAKKO 394Specs-HAKKO | HAKKO CorporationAustralian Suppliers:-Blackwoods,-CLCTech Australia,- $353 exGST-Oritech- $393 exGST-A1198 Bent Nozzle,-Mektronics- $392.10 exGST-Spare A1165 bent nozzle,-Laptop Parts,- $327.64- "Ships in 1-3 weeks"Foreign Suppliers:-AliExpress,-eBay 1,-eBay 2,-eBay 3 "white light suction tweezers",-eBay 4 "White light halac",-Techni-Tool,Tip Suppliers:-McMaster-Carr (Stainless Steel Dispensing Needle with Luer Lock Connection, 45 Degree Angle, 26 Gauge, 1" Long Needle),-eBay (A1198),-Techni-Tool (A1198),-Techni-Tool (Delrin ESD)- 0.005", 0.010", 0.020", 0.030", 0.040", 0.060" ID available.-Howard Electronic Instruments Inc (Virtual Industries VSPT3020-BD Delrin Tips),-Ebay (packs of 100x needles)

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2023, 01:25:50 am
content: Get a mail forwarding service in the US if you are having trouble, one that automates the process of customs paperwork. The forwarder shipito.com has done and ok job for me in the past.You send locally in the US, then process it at shipito when it arrives, you can automate taking photos etc (everything's typically a small fee). They also do a virtual debit card, I've not tried it though. In the past the longer you're a customer, they'll open up more warehouse locations that you can access. Or you can pay for a more premium type service.Thenuse someone like tequipment.netwho do free shipping deals (and maybe still the forum discount) to avoid double shipping costs.The paperwork at shipito.com was dead easy when I last tried it, you can do it before the package arrives, so can be somewhat automated and also allows consolidated shipping.

author: liteyear
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2023, 04:26:05 am
content: Quote from: Shock on April 22, 2023, 01:25:50 amOh that's some good advice, thank you. I do it so occasionally I always think "it'll be fine". Then it blows up and I think "next time I'll know better". You know where this cycle goes...Seems like such a process for a single vacuum pen.Even if someone knew a domestic supplier of those little Delrin tipped vacuum nozzles (eg. Techni-Tool 758SO558 or Virtual Industries VSPT3020-BD), it would open up some options. My searches only ever end in either the (relatively) big suction cups, or the cheap metal dispensing needles (in packs of 100!).Finding the right nozzle/accessories is so key for making these kind of workflows effective, and that takes experimentation. So I fear being stuck with the tool and not the supplies to make it work.

author: John B
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2023, 09:31:46 pm
content: I've picked up a few hakko accessories from ebay japan. Yep, local prices are highway robbery.