Is this real (ATTEN 858D) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Greyersting
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 07:16:15 pm
content: Is this real?http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATTEN-AT-858D-SMD-Hot-Air-Rework-Station-Solder-220V-/310539474247It looks exactly like the one Dave uses (which I couldn't find anywhere else except here) but it is really cheap. Is it fake?

author: casper.bang
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 07:24:25 pm
content: Yes they are that cheap. You can also get a combined rework + soldering station for about the double. Been thinking of getting such once, since unfortunately I can't get a Hakko 888D with 230V at a reasonable price here in Europe.

author: jshonw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 07:57:59 pm
content: Make sure you get one that operates on the correct mains voltage for your country.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 09:25:51 pm
content: I got min fromAliExpress. I checked the insides, no problems at all. Price was $31.99 at the time.But shipping was slow as ****

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 01:26:43 am
content: I have one and it works great for reworking SMT and shrinking 'Schrumpfschlauch'. I wouldn't bother with a cheap soldering iron though. I've got an Ayoue station (SMT pliers) but the tips are beyond useless. Get something decent like a (second hand) Ersa or JBC.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2013, 04:14:26 am
content: A second hand Ersa:http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-ERSA-HOTFLOW-5-COMPACT-REFLOW-OVEN-FOR-SOLDERING-LEAD-FREE-CAPABLE-/310407213476?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4845b631a4

author: TheBorg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2013, 04:58:46 am
content: I have heard good things about Weller, Hakko, Pace, Metcal, and some JBC stations. Haven't owned any personally though. But compared to an Atten that second hand ersa is an absolute steal!/s

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2013, 01:49:26 pm
content: re: "Is this real?"If you ever run across a cheap knock off of an Atten, you'd better run the other way as fast as you can.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2013, 04:55:14 pm
content: Yihua do a Hakko 936 soldering station clone for $15.Hobbyking have US, AU and EU stock at the correct voltages and they are good to deal with.http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/RC_PRODUCT_SEARCH.asp?strSearch=solderingThe price on the rework stations are coming down slowly.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2013, 05:48:14 pm
content: Yes, its been that cheap, but IIRC from others who bought it, there are 4 gotchas.The 110V version tends to cost more. They make more 220V for local consumption, so its cheaper.The shipping, if its not EMS, often takes > 1 mo, and there is a small chance it will get lost.The item can be received damaged during shipping, if its not EMS, less so if EMS.Products made for local consumption have iffiest quality control, so the parts and workmanship tend to be very low.If you're in the USA, I suggest you check this vendor who sells the 110V version and a few of them ship from the USA, you have Amazon as extra protection and vendor rating has been good enough.http://www.amazon.com/WEP-858D-Soldering-Station-Suitable/dp/B0055B6NGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382118365&sr=8-1&keywords=858d

author: Greyersting
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 03:36:14 am
content: Quote from: saturation on October 18, 2013, 05:48:14 pmWhy would the 220v be cheaper? Also thanks for the link.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2013, 10:33:08 am
content: Maybe its because most parts in the world use 220V to 240V.

author: dr_p
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2013, 08:18:00 am
content: Quote from: Greyersting on October 13, 2013, 07:16:15 pmQuote from: Thor-Arne on October 13, 2013, 09:25:51 pmThey are all around 55-65$, free shipping. Because China. Since buyers not accustomed to China merchandise (from eBay, AliExpress, DealExtreme) expect to pay a decent amount for shipping (15-20$), China considered splitting the total cost in a "reallistic" shipping cost. Some sellers go for 40$+20$ shipping, others for 30$ price + 30$ shipping, whatever works and thus makes the product look cheaper (e.g. 30$ instead of 60$). Bear in mind though, even if shipping cost is 30$, it's not DHL Express, it's China Post, it WILL take weeks and it DOES cost 2-5$ for them to ship it.So when you actually buy a "30$" hot air station(and pay 30$ for S&H), don't be amazed if 2 weeks later it hasn't arrived, there's no tracking number and the seller responds in Chinglish. What you actually bought is a 55$ hot air station and paid 2$ for S&H. So expect 2$ worth of customer service. Now don't get me wrong, I love China and the cheap stuff, but be sure you know what you're paying for, be it product or shipping.

author: Robgo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 12, 2014, 09:31:53 am
content: ATTEN products can be that cheap because they have cheap labors in China making these tools.

author: NYG
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2014, 01:50:15 pm
content: Is there any significant difference, quality or performance wise between these cheap units with the small fan in the handle, or the units with a diaphragm pump in the base?

author: markce
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2014, 09:37:29 pm
content: Got mine from Sureelectronics (china). Did not arrive. Kept me on the wire untill the ebay/paypal period expired. Had to pay extra to get it finally delivered. The way they send it also implied customs and extra handling charges. Not exactly cheap...