Complete Rework station or separate hot air gun, soldering iron, infrared thermo - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: robsims
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 02:04:22 pm
content: Hi,I need a new soldering iron and hot air blower for my bench. I'm deciding between a complete rework station and separate tools like hot air gun, soldering iron and infrared thermometer. I need some help in deciding, so please share you're experiencesLink to the rework station ishttps://www.amazon.com/Smartxchoices-Soldering-Station-Display-Nozzles/dp/B01CBKWG3A/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=rework+station&pd_rd_i=B01CBKWG3A&pd_rd_r=367dfd0c-0093-4ab3-a793-9d3e86bf1e20&pd_rd_w=1QcsJ&pd_rd_wg=6Zd1e&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=4KY2T0DAKTTT0RZZ90XD&qid=1564370832&s=gateway#customerReviewsLinks to the separate tools are:Infrared meterhttps://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-1022-Thermometer-Temperature-Refrigerator/dp/B013X0NQT0/ref=zg_bs_9931459011_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=JP31HG698ZEG5SEBR5H2&th=1Heat gunhttps://www.amazon.com/Genesis-GHG1500A-Temperature-Nozzle-Attachments/dp/B00EU2T8GG/ref=zg_bs_13837381_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Y4V7QNP1R9SCJJMARPHTSoldering ironhttps://www.amazon.com/Businesscastle-Electric-Soldering-Welding-Solder/dp/B07V6NGMBC/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=soldering+iron&qid=1564408150&s=home-garden&sr=1-8

author: nrxnrx
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 02:40:27 pm
content: Hi!Those don't seem in any way equivalent. The combined station at least attempts to regulate temperature (which is what matters), while the heat gun and soldering iron you linked to do not. Don't think you can use the IR thermometer to do it by hand - you end up measuring nearby board areas and whatever reflects off those shiny solder blobs.If you're going for electronics, absolutely get the combined station. If you need to strip paint, go for the heat gun.If you post your budget and your needs more experienced members can point to the better tools. If the budget is as low as possible (everyone's budget, really), just post requirements.--Mihai

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 02:48:29 pm
content: LOL, that heat gun is only suitable for welding linoleum or removing paint. Soldering iron is simply junk.I would recommend getting things separate. But if you are going for very bottom end as it seems, combined station probably will be better.

author: robsims
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 03:21:24 pm
content: Guys you're right. I had irons, but never had a soldering station before. I don't want to spend a lot of money for now. Along the way i will see what my needs are and then spend more money. My budget is around $100. Shipping included. The shipping company in my country asks a fee of 22% of the price of an item, to ship it to me. So with shipping included, i don't want to spend more than $100. Do you have other better alternatives?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 03:47:40 pm
content: Of the options you've presented, the combined station is the better way to go - but even then, you are going to have some challenges.I have a different model (852D+) with a different brand (W.E.P.) - but it is no doubt made in the same factory. The layout is very similar.The good thing is that both the iron and hot air make an attempt at temperature control. I found my hot air absolutely brilliant for heatshrink tubing and sort of functional for SMD reflow soldering. The iron, however, was not well made and the air gap between the element and the tip ensured problems would come my way. I just don't use it as I have a separate temperature controlled soldering iron that does a far better job.I agree with others about the heat gun you linked to - paint stripping is where it will shine. The soldering iron is not on the "recommended" list - but I have seen many people develop very competent skills with that type of iron. The problem, though, is that I speak of a time where through hole was king and packages were generally larger. These days, such uncontrolled power can wreak havoc unless you arereallycareful and have developed a high degree of finesse. Even then, the risks are much higher than with a tool designed for the job. That iron would be better suited for light to medium car wiring.The IR thermometer is an unknown. Why did you want it? If it was to monitor the temperature of something like a large heatsink, then, while it won't be highly accurate, it could be helpful. If you want it to monitor a soldering iron, then forget about it. If you want to measure the temperature of a PCB that you are pre-heating, then it might be helpful. You would probably need to check if the emissivity factor either (a) is adjustable or (b) matches the material you will use it on. (If you don't know what that's about - Google it). I grabbed a cheap IR thermometer a few years ago and I only use it to check on my ceiling temperatures in Summer.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 05:46:31 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 29, 2019, 02:48:29 pmdo not underestimate the cheapy junk. recently i bought heat gun that came with free cheapy iron similar to that, but to my surprise, it has temp/power knob on the handle that i didnt notice in ads picture.. this..Soldering Iron Kit 60W 110V-Adjustable Temperatureanyway, recently i've upgraded my soldering station, from 2in1 852AD (that i dont use much as i dont know how to use it correctly) to space saving more portable unit...https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32969987439.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.30f14c4d9GpWYrhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/32904835171.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.30f14c4d9GpWYrhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/YIHUA-938D-Portable-Hot-Tweezers-Mini-Soldering-Station-110V-220V-for-BGA-SMD-TX/283384398565?hash=item41fb06c2e5:g:Ne0AAOSwZFJcah7vthey dont have dedicated station box, just small controller hanging about separately. i recovered much of my bench space after replacing 852AD with them (controllers hanging on the wall near power outlet)

author: robsims
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2019, 06:56:51 pm
content: Thanks Mechatrommer. They sure look good too. Brumby, the IR thermometer would be for controlling heat and measure temp of components. Can the soldering iron on you're (W.E.P.) be replaced if it fails? I don't see they sell loose irons with the 5 pin cable.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2019, 11:22:48 am
content: Be careful about your expectations of such an IR thermometer.Definitelyread up on emissivity and understand how that can affect measurements. Make sure you know the field of view and how accurately the displayed figures are (or aren't) against actual temperatures.As for the soldering iron handle, while it is a screw-in fitment, I'm not sure about replacements. I've never bothered because the thing that came with the unit was really pitiful. Yes, it could solder, but it was not an enjoyable exercise.It may be possible that there is something decent out there that is compatible - even if it requires re-wiring - but I haven't tried chasing that down.

author: robsims
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2019, 01:32:44 am
content: Many thanks Brumby. I'll buy the station, but not the IR meter. I'll look for another one. I want the thermometer to read the temp of heatsinks and components. Also want to use it for other stuff at home. If someone knows a reliable thermometer, please let me know

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2019, 01:51:44 am
content: Seperate always. Multifunction tools always give away bit to single task tools.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2019, 03:24:44 am
content: Quote from: robsims on July 29, 2019, 02:04:22 pmI actually have the standalone version of that hot air station and it isn't pro, but it actually is a halfway decent tool. I use it more for heatshrink, label removal and plastic welding, but it works well for SMALL surface mount soldering tasks. You can't really expect much more for a $40 tool.The soldering iron appears to be a Hakko clone? I have a genuine Hakko FX-888 and I tried some clone tips and while they work, there's a night and day difference. I'm sure the rest of the clone iron is equally second rate. Still, I'm sure it's way better than the $3 iron you have listed and it may work fairly well for most things.So, for $40 the station is the way to go, quite clearly in my view. You just can't expect much at that price and reliability is hit and miss.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2019, 04:44:01 am
content: Yes it looks like a Chinese Hakko 907 iron clone (same as Hakko 936), as mentioned never buy cheap all in ones only go for quality multichannel stations.If you must buy a knock off you can get a Chinese T12 clone for cheap which should outperform this station. The only concern is the smps safety and like any cheap made for China product quality, warranty, and longevity. The 858D+ hot air stations are fairly cheap and if you look around for good prices should be able to get both for under $100 shipped.