Features worth prioritizing in a beginner hot air station? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bicstrom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 09:31:54 pm
content: Why do I think I need hot air station?I soldered a bunch of 10 pin header connectors backwards and the Hakko FR-301 is not cutting it. Not sure if I'm not being patient or if the tight pin fit prevents getting a clean removal without ripping out pads (done that several times already)I'm now thinking a hot air station is the better way to go.Knowledge levelZero. I have zero clue what's important when buying a hot air station, aside from three brand names:- Quick: I guess a common industry standard from some forum reading and YouTubing- Atten: Recommended by Louis Rossman, but also not recommended in other threads- Yihuan: recommended in this video.budgetI'm willing to spend a few hundred dollars to get something that works well, is built properly (heaters is the right place), has a good interface and controls, and won't die on me. I'm a home hobbyist, however, so happy to save that money if I don't really need anything fancy.Where I'm leaningNo idea if Louis' Atten is a good deal at $340 USD. There is a Quick for sale in the classifieds for $80. The Yihuan recommended in the video also looks promising. Which would you choose?

author: ahsrabrifat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2025, 03:58:13 pm
content: The Quick 861DW is considered the gold standard for pros and serious hobbyists. Fast heat-up, precise airflow, easy controls.A new one is Expensive ($300–$400). If you get a used one for $80, and it is functional, then it's a very good opportunity. Just make sure it’s not abused or missing nozzles. Buy the $80 Quick if functional. It’s a pro-grade tool at a hobbyist price.If you want a new one at a lesser price, you can consider ST-862D or 858D.If you have experience in microcontroller programming, you can make a hot air gun controller like this.https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Hot_air_gun_controller_from_Mikha_Pskov_on_ATmega_8_______________________________________________8.html

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 20, 2025, 04:04:49 pm
content: Quote from: bicstrom on May 18, 2025, 09:31:54 pmWhat Quick? If it's 861, grab it ASAP. Just ensure it's a real deal and not a counterfeit (the major sign is no mains filter mounted on the rear cover, empty holes with no screws holding it or with plastic plugs).

author: Solder_Junkie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2025, 04:50:24 pm
content: I have an 858D, had it for some time and it is fine for home/hobby use. Cost from eBay in the UK is approx 25 to 30 GBP. Make sure it includes several nozzles.My uses for it are SMD re-work and SMD assembly for those components that have pads underneath. It is also handy for heat shrink tubing. I hand solder most SMD components with a Weller WE1010 soldering station.Regarding removal of through hole parts… if the board hole is only fractionally larger than the component pins, it can be very difficult to remove. It is often better to sacrifice the component, rather than wreck the board, ie cut the component so you can deal with one pin at a time.Some of us have even mounted parts on the wrong side of a board 😖