Recommend a Hot Air Station - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 06:07:48 pm
content: I am looking for a hot air rework station. Current choices are: A used, high quality brand like a Hakko or PACE, or a WHL like the Atten 858.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 09:03:49 pm
content: I guess it will depend on your usage. If it is an occasional use tool, you can probably get away with the WHL. If it is going to be used regularly or you have the funds available, go for the better used tool. I don't have a hot air rework myself yet, but I would rather have the better tool. I have a Hakko 936 soldering but a WHL (ZD-985) desoldering tool. I use the Hakko a lot more and I know that even though it is not the top of the line, it is still good quality. The ZD-985 works for what I need it for and I like it. When I decide to get a hot air rework, I will save my pennies and buy a good used unit. In the same vein, when I get my next soldering station, it will be a used Metcal.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2014, 09:34:15 pm
content: I'd get the 858D. Buy two if your life depends on it.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 01:14:52 am
content: If I wait, I could probably scrap up the funds together. However, I have relatives in China who can purchase them at $20 American, so it doesn't seem too bad. My question is whether it is even worth it to bother with the WHL.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 01:42:18 am
content: I'm using my Atten 858D a lot and it does what it is supposed to do.For a soldering iron I wouldn't touch the cheap Chinese stuff with a loooong stick. But a hot air station has no issues with quality of tips and so on. Fried air is just what it is: fried air.I'm actually thinking of getting a second one just in case it breaks down. I have 2 soldering irons and 2 oscilloscopes for the same reason.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 01:51:14 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on March 16, 2014, 01:14:52 amI've been looking at used Hakko's for hot air as well, and they're still 10x or more what you can get the WHL via a family member. At that cheap, it may be worth a try.Now if the WHL was say half the price of a used Hakko in good shape, that might be worth going ahead and getting the Hakko instead. But at $20, the gamble is tempting IMHO.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 02:10:25 am
content: Yes. $20 does seem like it is worth it for a gamble. Might even get 2. I might get this, fir such a low price, and if it works fine with no problems, I will stay with it. Else I will go invest in something nice. For the nice products, what do you recommend? I know Hakko, but I see a OKi SMT-1060 on eBay, but can't seem to find the matching pencil. PACE's seem quite nice as well.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 03:51:18 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on March 16, 2014, 02:10:25 amPersonally, any of the big names you can find with enough parts to make it work and at the right price (i.e. don't need to hunt down pencils/wands to go with the corresponding base). Alternatives to Hakko would be Pace, Zephyrtronics, Weller, Metcal/OKi, JBC, .... even Edsyn as you're in the US.You'd have to be patient though, as even used units on eBay that have both the base and pencil/wand are even more expensive than the Hakko's.Decent deal on an OKi (here) right now (claimed as new, but opened packaging). Used and less expensive, is a Pace unit (here), and it includes an iron as well.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 03:55:54 am
content: I've seen both. $366? I'll pass. Better save up for that spectrum analyzer. PACE looks half decent.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:49:18 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on March 16, 2014, 03:55:54 amNot cheap, but keep in mind it's ~33% off vs. the same unit at digikey ($550). Not that bad a deal IMHO for someone in the market that has the funds.

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:52:11 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on March 16, 2014, 04:49:18 amthat has the fundsI don't. I think I will get the 858 and see if it works for me.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 04:58:28 am
content: Quote from: echen1024 on March 16, 2014, 04:52:11 amYou and me both.If I had, I'd have already snapped it up.Probably take a chance on a WHL myself, and hope it doesn't go POOF on me. Looking to cap it at around $70 based on what I've seen on eBay for a unit with a diaphragm pump instead of a squirrel fan.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2014, 07:59:48 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/youyue-858d-some-reverse-engineering-custom-firmware/The 858D+ is easily customisable if you feel like it.