My budget just went up for soldering equipment - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2024, 07:19:00 pm
content: I just did a repair that saved me $1500 and quite a bit of headache. It wasn't trivial: an SMD capacitor removal. I slightly lifted two of the pads but it seems everything works.My current soldering station is a Hakko FX-951; the Hakko filter, several tips, two wands idk why, and the nice base station.I'm not looking to upgrade, but in doing the chip removal I had to pull out the old radioshack soldering iron to solder both ends and lift.I'd like some hot tweezers for FX-951.Hakko makes hot tweezers in a kit:https://www.tequipment.net/Hakko/FX8804-CK/Soldering-Tweezers/?v=0But none for the FX-951? The upgrade unit?? What???I'm also wanting a solder suction device, thinking of getting the Hakko FR301.I see Hakko tools are significantly cheaper in Japan than here:https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B0795D1F1LJapan runs on 100v 50/60Hz AC. For accessories I see no problem, but for something going into the wall I see there might be problems, but with mixed reports.This guy claims there are only two versionsHe claims the heating elements are different, which makes sense... or is he referring to the Hakko 808?Additionally I'll get a Quadhands:https://www.quadhands.com/Deciding which version to get, as well as any additional accessories (like the magnifier).I'm tempted to get a hot air rework station, but I don't like cheap tools, and the good ones are out of my budget (for now).I'm also not against simply selling everything and upgrading to some ultra mega unit as long as the price sits <$500 (used or new). An integrated soldering and rework station, ideally compatible with my existing tips (or not). This repair saved me so much I can justify a lot.Any additional must have accessories (magnifying light?), I'm all ears.I would say 80% of my electronics repair attempts have failed so far, but this was the highest stakes one (shifter IC for a mercedes transmission), and it fucking worked afaik. I am thrilled!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 01:54:36 am
content: Congrats on the repair.I discovered the same. Hakko needs a dual channel station, something like an FM203 to run the similar design cartridge tweezers last time I looked. But do check the current models as they have added some.As you plan doing rework, in my opinion a gun style integrated vacuum desoldering tool isn't as nice as a pencil style, especially for smd pad and bga clean up etc. They are heavier and a bit more awkward due to the angle.Cartridge tips for vaacum desoldering and tweezers can be costly. Rebuying that stuff could be painful, so take your time and price everything ahead of time. If you're getting 3 sets of tweezers tips (for instance) that few hundred dollars on a better station will soon start to feel very insignificant.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 03:45:06 am
content: Quote from: Shock on December 22, 2024, 01:54:36 amThank you!I just realized my post was a whole bunch of autistic dribble. The shifter job worked a number on me: it's a good couple hours to get the parts in or outafteryou've familiarized yourself with the process, the repair was entirely on a hunch, and the stakes for the solder work were very high (both monetarily and the hours of work getting these parts apart and back together). Yeeeeesssshhh.I've done research on the different options available, and the whole market seems like a giant, for lack of a better word, shitshow.Hakko has a very user friendly look, but I can't make heads or tails of their different tips, systems, etc.Also everything is going digital; I have to agree with Louis Rossman on this one:You want a unit with analog controls and a flat top you can stack other equipment on. He seems to really like the Weller WHA900.Also, yes, the tips and accessories! I guess the move is to find someone selling everything at once as accessories seemingly become worthless on the used market.Any specific pencil style recommendations for solder removal?

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 07:18:35 pm
content: The hunt is on for a Hakko FM-206 with as many accessories as I can get.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 10:29:29 pm
content: Well everyone has biases but don't buy too much into what people are selling on their online store.The Weller micro tools are nice. i don't need them though. Most slim/stardard size handpieces have exactly the same tips.Those hot air videos are out of date, most people are using chinese Quick or Atten stations due to the price/performance. Especially nozzles, the Chinese ones are dirt cheap and they generally don't degrade performance in anyway.My current setup is better I feel than Hakkos offerings. Then if you going to spend JBC money you might as well get the best Metcal.I don't think $500 goes very far but for just over a grand you can have basically the best Metcal tweezers iron combo in terms of performance.So that is why I'm a Pace or Metcal, the other reason is JBC multichannel stations are heavily software driven and all that is superfluous to me.So I think perhaps if you stay with Hakko try to get the station that allows you to run at least both handpieces. You can't seriously get a vaccum desoldering station in budget so might just have to settle for the $300 integrated model. (Edit: I see your thinking about a second hand FM206).If you aim for a higher budget, just over a grand Metcal and get vacuum desoldering later. Then budget about $300 for a chinese Quick or Attenfor hot air rework.Again price the retail cost of everything you need or want ahead of time, accessories and consumables can be a money pit. Unlike soldering stations, vacuum desoldering stations have more moving parts and used models may require maintenance. Caveat emptor.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 05:05:57 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on December 22, 2024, 10:29:29 pmI've narrowed down my search now to some integrated unit. Space is just way too tight. The Weller WRS 3000 has also popped up on my radar. I see a lot of the Chinese units... it's something I generally shy away from as a rule.Is power a concern here? Do the fully integrated units suffer from low power on the hot air side?I recognize the issue with used units... really I'd want someone selling their entire setup with all the accessories and whatnot. Thats' how I got the FX-951 and it's served my needs thus far.

author: mahi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 06:40:58 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on December 23, 2024, 05:05:57 pmDon't get the Weller WRS 3000 if you are seriously interested in hot air. The Weller HAP 1 hot air pencil that goes with the WRS 3000 is only 100 W and the maximum air volume is 10 l/min (with a 30 s on/off cycle to prevent the pump from overheating). Dedicated hot air soldering stations can move a lot more air and have the thermal power to keep it heated. The Weller WHA 900 from the Louis Rossmann video you linked to has a 600+ W heating element and the pump delivers up to 50 l/min. The popular Quick 861DW is even 1000 W with up to 120 l/min. That does not mean you'll always use the hot air station at max settings, but at least you have the power available when needed whereas the HAP 1 can do only small components, or requires special accessories to create heated chambers for larger chips (Weller WRK).

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 06:45:24 pm
content: Quote from: mahi on December 23, 2024, 06:40:58 pmThis confirms some of my suspicions. In that case I'm leaning towards the Hakko FM-203 since it will work with my existing accessories, and then I can get a separate dedicated hot air station: maybe the Weller.1000w with 120l/min is a straight up hairdryer, I don't know why someone would need that.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 07:08:11 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on December 21, 2024, 07:19:00 pmI've had multiple people tell me that their 100V Japan-sourced FR301 works fine plugged directly into NA 120V. They do list different part numbers for for the heating elements but asJ-Rhas noted, that doesn't mean the elements have any significant difference internally. The difference in power ratings backs up the idea that they are the same. The pump motor can probably take a bit of extra power without any problem, but you could also buy a variac or iso-variac like the BK 1653 which would come in handy at other times.I have the FR-301 and the keys to being happy with it are 1) buy plenty of specialty tips and 2) clean it regularly. In fact the need to repeatedly clean it is the thing that makes it a good for low-volume or hobby work but not a lot of serious bulk desoldering. I switched to a Pace SX-100 system and that's definitely pro-quality.QuoteI got a Sumsour 858D (for like $29 on AliExpress with 4 tips) and it's actually good enough for a lot of stuff and it doesn't take up much space. I don't like cheap tools either but it's way better than nothing and probably would have had your SMD capacitor off in a flash (with some care, of course). I've done several repairs with it that each saved me 10X or more the price of the unit.QuoteI shopped, scrounged and fixed up a Pace MBT250 with an SX-100, TT-65 (tweezers) as well as an ADS-200 set for about $1000 and that doesn't include hot air. Getting something really good for less than that is going to be tough unless you get pretty lucky. There's a lot of demand for SX-100 stuff in general so I bought that part new. You're probably better off with individual solutions like the FR-301, Hakko tweezers (although I have some cheap Yihua ones that work OK) and a cheap hot-air station.Heres the hot-air station:https://www.ebay.com/itm/196854637241Pro tip: Throw the solder away but keep the spools!

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 08:40:12 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on December 23, 2024, 07:08:11 pmI've found this isn't universally true.... when a cheap tool causes more damage thananypotential savings.I had a cheap power washer shoot a nozzle that wasn't seated right like a gun. Fortunately not pointed at the car I was washing, but had it been, the resulting dent would have exceeded the cost of a proper nozzle holder.GaaaaahhhThe plot thickens; hakko.... the FM-203 will do desoldering, but only with an additional special control module, the FM-204 has the suction but won't do tweezers or a whole host of stuff... It's still the FM-206 I think... I think that has built in vacuum??Holy moly this whole market is complicated.... and then on the buying side, questions on buying directly from Japan and their (WTF 50 and 60Hz) power system

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 09:32:36 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on December 23, 2024, 08:40:12 pmVery true and many of those 858D clone hot-air stations are very poorly assembled. There's no savings when you electrocute yourself, fry something you are fixing or burn down your house. The Sumsour one I bought was indeed assembled correctly and has a correctly wired physical power off switch so I feel safe not unplugging it. Until I disassembled it and inspected it I wouldn't have been willing to trust it at all.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2024, 11:03:50 pm
content: Read some existing threads here. I don't think its worth investing more into the hakko T12 ecosystem unless you get a deal on used equipment.But at the same time, there aren't really any good options for all in one compact stations, which I would avoid for that reason, and if one thing dies you lose it all.You can getRF4-H5for $90 but it will take up some bench space. If you do not want to sacrifice any space, either Quick TR1 (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006654324595.html) or JCD 8208 (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006883107750.html), as they can be hidden away after use. But I would probably go for a full size bench station instead, maybe spend some money on shelving or racking to make the space.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:11:23 am
content: I appreciate all the help.I'm again leaning towards the Hakko FM-206 and a separate hot air unit.From what I've pieced together: the FM-203 and FM-206 are both able to use the tweezers, tips, and solder sucking gun, but the FM-203requires the purchase of another separate control module/vacuum pump (C1492) for the use of the FM-2024 desoldering gun.The FM-204 works with the desoldering tool as it contains a vacuum pump, the FM-205 I am not sure, but neither work with the tweezers or any specialty tips.The FM-206 will do all of the above, has a built in vacuum pump, and a built in blower pump, but from everything I've seen/read, the hot air is next to useless, so a separate unit is the move... with the caveats now being: is it smart to buy such an all-in-one solution, lest one part break and brick the whole thing, especially as these are probably EOL pretty soon given Hakko's recent product announcements.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:27:06 am
content: I learned my lesson about buying all-in-one units. For my next investment in soldering equipment I wanted the flexibility to buy exactly what I wanted for each function without having to compromise.Recently, within the last year, I bought the FM-203, the FR-301 desoldering gun, and the Quick 861DW hot air station. For the FM-203, I bought the standard handpiece, the micro handpiece, the high power handpiece and the micro tweezers. All with a selection of tips.Everything works great and are well built. No complaints on actual soldering/desoldering functions.The only things I don't like are: The user interface on the FM-203. It is archaic is extremely annoying to change temperatures, and I had to immediately disable the "key". And I don't like the power switch on the back, or that the idle is detected with a separate wire that goes to the cradle the iron sits in. They could have done that through the regular cord instead of a separate wire that gets in the way.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:39:52 am
content: Just to spice things up: Hakko provides no schematics or firmware, so if something breaks, lol FU.Reminds me of Hioki, a brand I stopped recommending for that reason; Fluke wins!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:42:56 am
content: Multichannel is fine as long as it's reasonable quality, has parts and can be repaired. Hakko just makes particularly unintuitive interfaces.Vacuum desoldering can be done fairly low power but hot air reflow uses a larger power supply and more airflow volume, so dedicated units just are a safer bet. Quick 861DW and Atten ST862D are fairly popular.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 12:48:26 am
content: It's likely only Pace in the past has provided schematics, however everyone is quite guarded these days.Check out their new MBT450. Not out yet but 3 channel with rear integrated hot air, quick filter change, nice interface and deceptively small bench footprint (use the connectors as guides).Firmware is tricky most have no ability to do a low level recovery. Pace in the past has used socketed micros, not sure about this model.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 01:40:13 am
content: Oh my god I just foundthis amazing thingNow THIS is what I'm talking about!Every day we stray further from God

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 02:11:43 am
content: I take it you haven't seen the Pace PRC2000.https://paceworldwide.com/prc2000-miniature-microminiature-electronic-repair

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 03:14:45 am
content: Numero Unohttps://reverb.com/en-no/item/40195320-hickok-580a-labratory-grade-tube-tester-1965-black-silver

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 09:04:07 am
content: Quote from: Shock on December 24, 2024, 12:48:26 amPace hasn’t provided schematics for yeeeeears. They’re only publicly available for products from around the early 80s and before. (I’m sorta guessing about the year because most of their documentation is undated.)

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 09:05:01 am
content: Quote from: Electro Fan on December 24, 2024, 03:14:45 amThat has nothing to do with soldering equipment.

author: mahi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 11:14:11 am
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on December 24, 2024, 12:39:52 amIf that is your criteria, stop looking at modern equipment, period. I loathe the trend, but reality is that public schematics and service manuals are a thing of the past. For decades already. That includes Fluke.So, either get over this, or be prepared to deal with very old equipment of which parts and consumables may become harder and harder to get.As for the Weller WHA 900, I think it's a great hot air station, but not at the price Weller asks for it and its accessories. Just look up the prices of nozzles - if you can even get them (seeDigiKey&Farnell). Chinese offerings like the Atten ST-862D or Quick 861DW cost a fraction of the Weller, come with a few nozzles, and have twice the performance. So, only consider the Weller if you can get it with a selection of nozzles for a bargain.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 03:42:47 pm
content: Quote from: mahi on December 24, 2024, 11:14:11 amWell at a bare minimum a service manual. Regardless, I think I have my sights set on a Hakko FM-206. Their desolder gun unit looks really nice, it will work with all my existing tips, I wouldn't have to sell everything and re-buy a new system.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2024, 09:59:02 pm
content: With the Atten or Quick you can easily find replacement parts:https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806212192491.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832802888800.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801653224712.htmlHakko seems to have some things but they are not cheap:https://hakkousa.com/b3428-motor.html

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2024, 01:07:49 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on December 24, 2024, 09:59:02 pmI'm just not interested in chinese clones. They just repulse me, I'm sorry, it just sits wrong with me.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2024, 03:57:51 pm
content: A Hakko 703 can be had at reasonable prices, what is the compatibility like?This postclaims compatibility with 928 and 472 stations,... that I'm also unfamiliar with.I can genuinely see why people say "screw it" and just dump big money into a brand new complete setup

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 01:33:05 am
content: Hakko lists handpiece compatibility in their manuals. It's discontinued but you can still get tips for the iron and I expect the tweezers. The Hakko FX888DX is basically the modernized single channel version.This is not something I'd be interested in but I'd check the vacuum desoldering service parts availability and pricing if you're seriously considering older models.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 01:42:00 am
content: I got some cheap china hot tweezers bundled with a T12 comparable soldering station.Mainly because I needed to remove a few 100' 1206 caps from 6 layer 3oz copper pcbs.It worked better than using my single good quality iron (Thermaltronics), around 2 sec vs 10 sec.And it cost about 1/2 the price of the hot tweezer attachment that could plug into my Thermaltronics.I'm quite satisfied that hot tweezers are useful and worth while having, when my cheap china ones die i will definitely be ordering the Thermaltronics version.The cheap china ones work fine, they just feel cheap and plasticky. I'm sure the tip coating wont be as good, but no sign of issue yet.The exact listing/seller I got has disappeared, but this is what I gothttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005223425785.htmlSo all in all I would recommend getting some hot tweezers if you need to desolder passives a lot

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 02:48:53 am
content: Quote from: Psi on December 26, 2024, 01:42:00 amThat's good info to have, I will keep that in mind. I'm tracking down an FM-706 right now that does the vacuum desoldering and some (albeit crappy) hot air as well, and works with the slew of tips of the 703 and my existing 951 tips.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 04:05:41 am
content: Psi, those T12 tips could technically outperform the Thermotronics tweezers for your model. 60W+60W vs 20W+20W RF.That is assuming they are what they are.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 05:15:43 am
content: Quote from: Shock on December 26, 2024, 04:05:41 amI barely understood those words...What tweezers with what?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 08:14:43 pm
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on December 26, 2024, 05:15:43 amHe's saying that the Thermotronics brand hot tweezers that i was considering getting have a 20Watt element one side and a 20Watt element the other side (of the tweezers)But the china ones I got are more powerful with 60Watt each side.The "RF" bit is just because Thermotronics soldering stations do tip heating with RF energy rather than DC. but watts are watts so it doesn't matter.Thanks Shock, 20W vs 60W is not something i had noticed.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 02:46:50 am
content: It took extensive searching, but I found a Hakko FM-206 in my budget with the accessories I wanted (DSA - Desolder, Solder, Air + tweezers).The seller said he might throw in some nozzles, I already have the solder/desolder tips from my FX-951 station... but I'm going to need accessories for the tweezers and hot air.Is Amazon Japan reliable for that?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 02:52:57 pm
content: Amazon has a return policy. But there is nothing to protect you from a dishonest seller ahead of time.To my knowledge only the FG100 FX888D FX951 FX601 have been faked but maybe there are more models. Just check the pictures closely, and confirm the manufacturing label looks legitimate as it will help if returning it.While you are at it see if the voltage is shown or mentioned (good idea for all non retail purchases). You'd be surprised how many people accidentally buy 220-240V and vice versa thinking they are getting a deal.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2025, 03:05:54 am
content: It has arrived...

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2025, 06:56:18 pm
content: Hakko FM-206 Review(sort of)I guess some sort of review is in order. Having the dedicated solder heat vacuum tool is several orders of magnitude faster and better than any "The old fashioned way" method, at least for through-hole components. Pace in their video series agrees: teaching several methods for desoldering before introducing vacuum desoldering and listing the: every single way in which it's better than braid, manual solder suckers, etc.It's so good, I would probably recommend a vacuum desolder tool to anyone doing even a single board recap (just sell it after). That these are not more common/popular/ubiquitous has my head scratching a bit. The rest of the FM-206 functionality I rate "so-so", and I'm not sure I would recommend specifically it: go for separate Hakko units instead. I got a good deal on the FM-206, but were I to buy/look again I would probably go for the newly released FX-972 (Or even a deal on the now-discontinued FM-203 dual-port) for tweezer and regular soldering work;Then either the FM-204, FR-410, or FR-400 dedicated vacuum desoldering system. I probably wouldn't get the FR-301 because the gun/handle combo is huge and cumbersome.The FR4103 gun (for the FR-410 station) or FR-4003 gun (for the FR400 station) take much cheaper desoldering tips than the FM-2024 (for the FM-204 and my FM-206 base station). I'm not sure the benefits of these fast-change integrated tips are worth it... I only have one b/c they're so damn expensive, so I'm not changing anything anyway.All that said, the FM-2024 vacuum desolder gun is kind of a gem. It feels a little bit flimsy/not well polished in the hands. It doesn't have that super satisfying feel when working with it (removing/installing the gun handle, removing/installing the tip, removing/replacing the solder catch cartridge). For the price I would have expected more,butthe design and functionality is a fuckingexcellent. In the course of researching and looking, I saw reviews of chinese and other vacuum desoldering tools. I can't emphasize enough how terrible those are, because they fail miserably on the details; Replacing tips, operation, handling, and especially cleaning. Hakko uses overpriced disposable filter/solder catch cartridges for this unit. Once you've sucked all your solder out, pull the yellow tab back, remove and chuck the old cartridge, and install a new one. BOOM DONE. The gun itself converts very easily to a wand simply be removing the gun-style handle, which could be useful in tight spaces. I use it in a gun style, but it feels like it's designed for Japanese hands and not my large piano hands.WHATEVER.Going back to the FM-206 base station. The User Interface is actually amazing, and may be a reason to choose it over all the other FM stations and FX-951... possibly even the new fx-971/972. In lieu ofquickdialing in the temperature, Hakko offers three quickly accessible programmable presets. I actually really like this setup; created three presets: one for 60/40, one for 63/37, and one for lead-free for my soldering with temperatures set based on Hakko's recommendation. This gives me confidence I'm doing things right and lets me focus on the task at hand rather than second guessing if I've set a temperature that's screwing up my soldering.If you need to dial in a temperature, hold a button down and set it manually; takes ~10 seconds vs ~2 seconds for the presets.The functionality of the interface is also *muah* chef's kiss. You can disable the annoying tip disconnected/no tip alarms, you can disable channels. When you plug a tool into the unit it recognizes the tool, displays what it is, has a little bar indicator for how much power it's applying, and gives you tool-specific settings that it memorizes. Goddamn this interface is actually amazing. I actually take back what I said earlier about getting separates. Get the FM-206 just because the interface is so fucking excellent. It is basic and simple; it feels like you're programming a calculator, but once you've spent ~30 minutes figuring it out, you get so fast with it you don't have to worry about it at all (Unlike my old FX-951 that I still haven't figured out).Powering on the station, it will immediately fire up all connected units, then put them to "sleep" if they're on their respective rest stations. When you remove a tool, it will give a loud audible beep when it's at its temperature and ready to go. Usually a few seconds. You can change the auto-sleep time, and the sleep temperature in the interface.Soldering performance with the regular soldering tip is... identical to the FX-951. 70 watts. It does the soldering and does it well. It works with the wand, tips, and rest station I used with my FX-951; the reason I gravitated towards Hakko and not something else. Having three channels means I can use two soldering wands to remove SMD components. The tweezers I didn't/won't use and arecurrently for sale in the marketplace. If I knew I were doing a lot of SMD stuff, I'd opt for some tweezers setup, but the cost of tips makes it prohibitively expensive for me.Finally I can touch on the hot-air pencil. It really is a "pencil" and not a gun. It's anemic, shooting a pathetic little dribble of air, and making a lot of noise in the process. There's a dedicated dial to set the air flow. I have it set all the way up and don't know why someone would set it lower. Maybe for setting an SMD capacitor or something tiny.That's not to say it's not useful. Far from it. I went with a 4mm nozzle/tip, and now I find myself using it more often than I'd think: heat shrink tubing, heating adhesives for removal, and itshouldwork for hot-air rework. If you're doing a lot of big hot air rework, get a dedicated hot air *gun*, but since I don't do that a lot, having this saves bench space and money.ConclusionSo yeah; I didn't see much information or reviews on this unit online, hopefully someone finds this useful. I called Hakko with a few questions, and found their California offices knowledgeable and friendly. Youwillhave to spend a good amount of money on tips additional accessories. They are not cheap and you'll be hard pressed to find them used. That said, Hakko's tips are excellent. Highly recommended. I actually love this thing. It completely gets out of your way when you're doing work. You're not fighting with bullshit. The interface is minimalist computing excellence. Fast and responsive both electronically and UI usability. I don't have experience with Chinese bullshit tools, but what you really get with premium Hakko are thedetails. These details matter almost more than the base functionality. Having three channels in one station saves a good amount of bench space and cabling. One thing I should mention: the fan is a bit loud, but someone can possibly be replaced with a quieter one? Nothing compared to the smoke absorber, but still there and slightly annoying. If someone has a lead on a replacement fan, I'd be all ears.This is a "Buy Once Cry Once" tool for me; and I spent a good 2 weeks on the crying, self-doubt, and questioning phase. I just did a recap/rework job on an amp. Oh I'm not crying any longer.Want to add a bit more going back to the thread at hand: I didn't just get a rework station and go "hurr durr now I'm set". Going back to the theme of details mattering: Ifinallygot myself a board holder in the form of the Quahdands workbench (along with the magnifying glass). I got some Kester 186 and 959T flux off eBay following EEVBlog user: bdunham7's recommendation. I also got the Hakko Flux dispenser pen for $10 and I rate it 4/5. It's not perfect, but it's better than what I used before. I filled it with the Kester 186, and it lets me precisely apply only the amount of flux I need so I can be pretty confident it all gets activated and "no clean". I additionally got some tips, sleeves, and parts from Hakko so I now have a full roundel of soldering tips for whatever need I might have. Two or three of them are doubled pairs, so I could go in with two soldering wands simultaneously using the same tip. I've already succeeded in some SMD electrolytic capacitor replacements using this method.I'm pretty thrilled with this whole setup, and thank the EEVBlog users who have lended their information and guidance. It's all very compact and very capable. I've found now soldering and rework is very similar to woodworking. You can get away with basic tools in a miserable pathetic endeavor, but actually for even the most basic task you find yourself quickly needing the whole workshop of tools. There are a lot of "first soldering iron" threads on here, with recommendations ranging from cheap chinese shit to introductory offerings from weller/hakko. I disagree with all of that, and if someone has even the modicum of means and needs, they should just spend the $1k-$2k on a setup like the one I have here. I say this, because I wish I had bought all of this 5 or so years ago when I got more seriously into electronics repair... and I wasn't even messing around then, getting the Hakko FX-951 with the smoke absorber and the tips for it.One more thing, this wasn't just a money-spending adventure either.I followed this recommendation here:https://old.reddit.com/r/soldering/comments/vwlt4i/i_want_to_learn_how_to_solder_where_do_i_start/ifr72ja/And.... it's spot. fucking. on. Forget random youtube channels randomly talking about how to solder: a waste of time, posted by yahoos, with incomplete and incorrect information. Those Pace soldering videos are a gold standard for any tutorials... they're so good I almost regret buying Hakko instead of Pace, because they deserve my business just for that!Anyway; I'll probably be around here more now lol

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2025, 03:20:47 am
content: Congrats, yeah the Pace videos are great.The hot air pencils are best used along with underside preheating, for delicate rework or as you suggested curing or removing glues and shrink etc.I've not used that tweezer model. Despite that, I'm not sure I would sell them. At some point if you decide you need tweezers down the road it just seems better than doubling back.There is the possibility you may come across an extra station and you could run two soldering handpieces on it with the rework tools all on the other station for instance. But yeah investing in three or four sets of tips for them is huge.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2025, 11:03:12 pm
content: I just did another board recap with this station.All I can say is: WOW.Again I used all three hand pieces: the hot air to remove the capacitor glue, the vacuum desolder to remove the solder, and finally the soldering wand to put the new capacitor in.All I can say is: WOW. The job happened so quickly and so seamlessly the results are professional. I am confident about my solder joints. I didn't create a mess either in removal or installation. I can't recommend this station/system enough.Anyone that does any sort of soldering, it's a no-brainer.I've taken the liberty of writing a much larger review for an audio forum, where I put everything I learned together for those who might be interested:https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/rework-stations-overview-and-hakko-fm-206-rework-station-review-2025.1078783/Post #1 is what I found to be on the market, Post #2 is an in-depth review of the unit.It's a long read. My motivation was simply that I couldn't find detailed reviews anywhere I looked online, so for that future someone in my position I hope it proves helpful.

author: rossv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 12:27:27 am
content: Hi Fried Chicken,Thanks for your detailed posts across two forums. Although I've used fancy soldering equipment at work and have done many complex repairs at home, I still use irons with the traditional heater element + sleeved tip (one of them is an FX-888D, the other a no-name OEM Taiwanese product that I bought when I was still an EE student).It's time for me to upgrade to a "modern" soldering station and I've had my eyes on the FX-951 for a while. The price of the FX-951 in Australia is now very low at $400 AUD, likely because it's reaching the end of it's life. I was very tempted but I decided to increase my budget as you have done.It turns out that in Australia the JBC CDB/CDS stations are not that different in price from a Hakko FX-971. However Hakko T39 tips seem to be aboout 25% cheaper than JBC C245 tips.The general consensus is that JBC tools are the bee's knees so I was on the verge of buying a JBC CDB. But with the tips being more expensive and apparently not as long lasting, and having seen a teardown of a more expensive JBC product that didn't impress me, as well as other comments, I'm a bit turned off them now. The ergonomics of the stand and base doesn't appeal to me much either.The FX-971 is a bit of a disappointment in not supporting a complete set of options (tweezers, heavy duty) but the FX-972 seems to be OK. It's a bit more expensive but is cheaper than 2 x FX-971 so I think I might just get an FX-972 (around $1000 AUD).I already own a Quick 861DW and a Hakko FR-300 so I have no personal need for higher end "all in one" stations.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2025, 04:56:05 pm
content: Quote from: rossv on March 06, 2025, 12:27:27 amIt's a shitshow, isn't it? The pain, anguish, second-guessing is real.I can make it easy for you: I completely agree with your assessment: the FX-972 is what you're looking for.I assume you already saw this?:You have the hot air and vacuum already covered. All the improvements Hakko made over the T15 tip system (including fx-951, the fm-203, and my fm-206) are real. That upgraded sleep base is so nice. So yeah, I agree with your assessment, FX-972. Of course, I haven't actually tried or used it.

author: rossv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 10:54:41 am
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on March 06, 2025, 04:56:05 pmSure is! I've been second guessing and agonising for over a week. To make matters worse, the Pace ADS200 Plus is also roughly the same price locally as the JBC CDB/CDS and Hakko FX-971. Yet another option to consider.Your encouragement has helped and I've pulled the trigger on the FX-972. I couldn't really find any FX-971 reviews around (apart from a terrible "unboxing" video) but I expect it will be a big improvement over what I currently use and being a Hakko will last the distance.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2025, 09:06:20 pm
content: Quote from: rossv on March 07, 2025, 10:54:41 amI assume you saw the video on the FX-971 from Hakko?Personally I would have recommended the FX-972... for certain tasks you want two irons... although I get that the price is painful

author: rossv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 03:03:31 am
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on March 07, 2025, 09:06:20 pmI've bought an FX-972.I only mentioned that I was looking for FX-971 reviews because I don't expect there to be many FX-972 reviews around.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 05:00:18 am
content: Quote from: rossv on March 08, 2025, 03:03:31 amAh ok I see!That's exciting! Post pics and a review once you get it! What accessories did you get to go with the unit?

author: rossv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2025, 05:34:13 am
content: Quote from: Fried Chicken on March 08, 2025, 05:00:18 amYes, I'm looking forward to receiving it. Will post pics and review once I've played with it. At this point I've only bought a couple of basic tips. I will probably grab a micro soldering iron for the second port in the near future.

author: Fried Chicken
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2025, 12:21:29 pm
content: Quote from: rossv on March 08, 2025, 05:34:13 amManage to play with it yet?