Desoldering station suggestions? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Mp3
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 10:10:17 am
content: Hello everybody,Ive had a Hakko 808 for a few years and really wear it out. Replaced a lot of parts a few times already and just not a fan of it, probably mainly due to the pistol grip style, it's too awkward for me to work with well. I finally sold it a couple weeks ago, so I need a replacement. What would anyone here recommend for a desoldering tool with a maximum budget of around $200 USD?Thank you in advance. By the way, i was thinking of replacing my soldering iron too soon, so if there is a station that does both solder and desolder then i am interested too. Not sure if it exists.

author: Fludo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 12:22:07 pm
content: I recommend the Hakko FM-2024:http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm2024_set.htmlIt's worked very well for prototypes and repairs, the solder bulb irons hurt my wrists after prolonged use. This model has a very light trigger and is easy to clean out, plus all the parts are easy to get from Hakko.I use mine with the FP-102 base station(not my ebay listing) :https://www.ebay.com/itm/HAKKO-FP-102-SOLDERING-STATION-POWER-SUPPLY-120-VOLT-75-WATT-60-Hz/223447187220?epid=1929869013&hash=item34067d7f14:g:j4MAAOSwJItciYA3&frcectupt=true. It's an older station but works with all the new Hakko soldering accessories. All the handles will be compatible with the newer FM-203 if you ever decide to upgrade:http://www.hakko.com/english/products/hakko_fm203.htmlI've got parts left over from one of my Hakko FM-2024 conversion kit I'm willing to sell for $180. It includes a rebuilt handle, the desolder control box, and filters. The kit does not include nozzle or tool stand. It will require an external compressor and a new nozzle($45-$60)

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 01:39:05 pm
content: Interesting possibility: You might assemble one for $52 using Solomon's SL-916G (24v@2.1amp) and a low cost foot-switch controlled suction pump.A1parts.com seem to be the North American source for these. For some, it might be worth a lookOf course, one has to DIY a heater supply, but at least the thermocouple and heater appear to be on separate pairs..Does anyone know where Solomon products are actually made?https://www.gme.cz/odpajeci-stanice-solomon-sl-928esd-black#accesories

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:26:15 pm
content: OK, got my answer after a little net grokking - they are made in Taichung City, Taiwanhttps://www.pro-soldering.com/desoldering-station/SL-928.html

author: CZroe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 08:36:25 pm
content: I’m using an ultra-cheap $140 Aoyue 701A++ digital soldering and desoldering station, but let me tell you: The desoldering gun is JUNK without upgrades like the ones Kainka Labs shared for his similar Zhongdi ZD-915 station (sold under many brands):https://youtu.be/ohsEzJjJ1tchttps://youtu.be/j8LMdIZuDywI do like that it accepts genuine Hakko T18 tips on the soldering iron portion and it has an iron-mounted fume extractor. Suction is the Achilles Heel for mine, since it has to build suction after you pull the trigger and it isn’t very quick about it, leading to constant clogs. Mine is the older AC pump version that is supposedly much more robust but people say that the DC pump on the current version has a stronger suction. They’d have less trouble but there are other concerns, like putting too many amps through the trigger switch and not resetting the sleep timer when you pull the trigger, though some YouTuber has fixed this on his Int474A++ (the desoldering-only version).My other concern: Their US distributor (SRA-Solder) suddenly stopped selling the drill bit for declogging it right when I needed to order one! Even with very little use performance got worse and worse over the first year and I couldn’t figure out why until after I had literally taken apart the entire motor and cleaned out all the membranes. There was no improvement. All the pipes and hoses looked clean and clear (literally transparent inside the station). There was definitely no blockage in the gun, motor, or tubing, inside and out, so I gave up and just used the fine extractor function for a while. It turns out that the hose fitting on the front of the unit has a pointlessly small construction inside that quickly build up a yellow dust from flux residues when you use the fume extractor. I discovered it when it completely sealed and stopped all airflow while I was soldering one day! Without the lid on the base station you should see light out the front port thanks to the clear tubing inside. I didn’t, so I stuck the back of a $0.01 watercolor brush through the hole and saw a puff of yellow dust appear inside the clear tube.Now that I’ve gotten comfortable with the quirks of this machine I’m no longer looking for something better. I’m bringing it up just in case knowing these things ahead of time makes it a more appealing option.