Need New Desoldering Gun - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 04:23:53 am
content: My Rhino ZD-985 now kinda sucks, and not in a good way.Looking for a good quality replacement solder sucker.I haven't looked at the market forever, throw me some suggestions. Thanks.

author: djacobow
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 04:53:31 am
content: I have a Hakko FR-301. Seems to do the business well when you can get it over the pin.It can't be used like soldapult to suck solder out of the top of a board or to clean up smt excess solder.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 05:28:01 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 01, 2025, 04:23:53 amPace SX-100.https://www.tequipment.net/Pace/ST125-8007-0607/Desoldering-Equipment/Rework-Stations/?v=7450

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 05:45:30 am
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on February 01, 2025, 05:28:01 amI've used Pace at previous companies, good stuff. $1000 freedom bucks though

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 10:22:41 am
content: I used Pace stuff 30-odd years ago, but never liked it. I think that is just the nature of desoldering equipment though.I use a JBC station with a DR560 now.Maybe give Mektronics a call and see if they can set you up... I got a 4-tool + hot air ex-demo system from them for a great price.

author: temperance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 11:17:15 am
content: Metcal MFR-1150What I like about it:The tip is also the pipe to the waste container. On a weller you have to replace the complete hand piece if something is stuck in the pipe between the tip and the waste container while on a Metcal you replace only the tip.Edit: made the explanation more clear.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2025, 08:40:48 pm
content: Quote from: temperance on February 01, 2025, 11:17:15 amThis is the problem with the Hakko FR301 and many similar tools--if they clog up and you can't clean them, you need to replace the heater assembly or more. I never had to replace my FR301 heater, but I spend plenty of time reaming and cleaning it and sometimes only cleared it with great difficulty. This is a problem if you are desoldering grungy old boards or stuff with a conformal coating or those light-green boards on Tektronix equipment (yuck!) The later model Pace handpieces (SX-90, SX-100) are as you describe and the tips go all the way back to the disposable cartridge. They also just don't clog up very much. I would look specifically for this design feature in any new desoldering equipment.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 09:32:11 am
content: Quote from: temperance on February 01, 2025, 11:17:15 amThis is the same with the JBC C560 series tips. They include the pipe as part of the tip.e.g. this 1mm dia tip:https://www.jbctools.com/c560003-through-hole-desoldering-tip-o-1-product-323.htmlI found that clogging at the end of the pipe (away from the tip) to be a very common problem with the cheaper desoldering stations, as the pipe isn't thermally connected to the heater. I would constantly have to open them up and stick my soldering iron in there to unclog it, as the cleaning rods eventually just couldn't budge it. JBC do offer helical "drill" style cleaning rods, but I've not needed them so I don't know if they are any good.Other JBC DR560 bonuses are the heating element is replaceable without disassembly of the handpiece (I've not yet needed to do that), and they also provide a nice heat resistant spanner for removing/inserting tips.

author: temperance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 10:15:21 am
content: The heating element of the Metcal MFR-1150 is also easy to replace. But I never had to replace the heating element.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 11:03:04 am
content: This is the Pace SX-100The Pik-tips are cool.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 11:41:13 am
content: I lurve my Den-on SC7000Z:http://denondic.co.jp/en/product.php?pno=36Getting a bit long in the tooth now, and no doubt some blue and yellow thing has caught up. Bit on the heavy side, maybe. Does blow as well as suck so you can lift, say, a resistor before sucking up the solder.Had one tip perma-clogged so far, and they aren't hot-swap (unless you have wooden fingers). Otherwise Just Works.

author: mindcrime
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2025, 11:20:22 pm
content: To simply repeat my comment from YT: I use a Hakko FR-301, and I've been very happy with it. I can't give you any kind of comparative analysis, as it's the only desoldering gun I've ever owned. I've used it maybe a dozen times in the last year or two and it's never failed to get the job done. Take that FWIW.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2025, 11:45:27 pm
content: QuoteI also have an FR301, but have had less usage, therefore I haven't experienced many cleaning issues.For the cost, the FR301 is excellent. At one job we had a very expensive model and I spent, almost literally, cleaning it twice for every one IC pin I de-soldered.Initially I was reluctant to purchase the FR301 based off the nightmares at my old job, but, I must say, for the cost, it's great.

author: Esposch T. Tapir
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 01:50:33 am
content: Just to add to this, if you are buying an FR-301:You can get them from Japan for about 1/3 of the price as Australia through auction proxies like Zenmarket:https://zenmarket.jp/en/rakuten.aspxMake sure to get a stand too (633), the little cleaning (B1087) and a couple of replacement valves (B5023) if you use solder with real flux in them.The smoke goes into the back part and you need to swap the valves out every 6 months or so (daily use).When you're talking about under AUD$350 from Japan, with spare parts and a stand, I reckon the FR-301 is absolutely amazing value and strong recommend.We've just bought a second one for our business.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 01:58:11 am
content: Quote from: Esposch T. Tapir on February 04, 2025, 01:50:33 amAU$230 ?

author: Esposch T. Tapir
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 02:01:49 am
content: Yeah, it's legit. There'll be shipping on top of that but it's not a huge amount (maybe $30 extra).The only issue is that they're rated for 100V, so you need a step down.Realistically, a 110V step down will be fine but if you want to be super anal you can easily convert the 100V to a 110V/120V version too:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/how-to-convert-the-hakko-fr301-82-for-north-america/

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 02:02:24 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 02, 2025, 11:03:04 amholy tampon looking cartridges, batman!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 02:07:25 am
content: I've the Pace SX-100 which uses conventional vacuum tips. The Pace tips are fairly unique in that replacing one renews the entire vacuum path to the trap (inexpensively).They work out to be about $8-10 per tip in packs and I suggest getting the 6993-0288-P1 sample tip pack and spare filters. If you're doing high volume get spare glass traps.It's not as quick heating as cartridge tip brands but those (including even Hakkos conventional tip FR301) may require additional service parts, more expensive filters and (especially on cartridge models) far more expensive tips.To the point where a selection of cartridge tips can double the initial outlay cost. The FR301 though has a very limited selection of tips.The Pace Pik tips are primarily intended for high volume removal of specific packages. I've a few of them. Hot air is a cheaper alternative for package removal but can't match the utility of vacuum desoldering for through hole, land prep.I'd still suggest a preheating solution for easy mode in both cases. If you end up getting one through Pace directly remember to ask for updated ADS200 firmware.Edit:The FR301 has an integrated pump so a bit of a different experience from lightweight wands (which I find more ergonomic over guns). Foot switch activation is another feature unique to stations.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 03:04:44 am
content: The FR-301 I bought came with a case, the cleaning tools, spare filters, and the stand.Since then, I've purchased additional filters, but haven't replaced any yet.QuoteWhat is the replacement valve? I looked online and saw it, but haven't see any videos on changing this.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 06:07:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 01, 2025, 04:23:53 amAfter using that unit for so long perhaps you should do a video and report on its performance over that time as I believe they are still available. I'm sure plenty of other people also bought similar stations based on your original review, I did anyway.I picked up a ZD917 from Radio Parts for $160 almost a decade ago and it still sucks like a new one. It has needed the occasional repair such as cable ties, suction hoses and replacement diaphragms but other than that it has served me well so I can't complain.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-542-zd985-desoldering-station/

author: Zoli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 07:13:44 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 04, 2025, 01:58:11 amCareful: both have NEMA 15 plugs, but the -81 is without grounding(two-prong), the -82 has grounded tip(three-prong).

author: woody
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2025, 09:29:05 am
content: +1 on the JBC 560 and station.Works like a charm and relatively easy to clean and de-clog. If you clean it in time it doesn't clog. It is not cheap but if you have regular use for it it is worth the investment.

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 12:36:22 pm
content: I've got a metcal that works well. Takes shop air though, not sure if you've got air.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 02:17:33 pm
content: QuoteI still don't know what this is for the FR-301. I've seen pictures but haven't seen anything about its location or how to replace it.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 07:46:49 pm
content: It's a maintenance part of the pump assembly and shown in the manual. Looks to be a directional valve made of plastic which is cleaned during maintenance and replaced when performance is affected.I assume Esposch T. Tapir is suggesting it fouls or wears out with certain flux vapour. Annoying to replace, but inexpensive at $2. The main common expense are the filters at $1 each.Temperance mentioned (and I alluded to) the one piece heater assembly may develop continued blockages and is a $70 part to replace, that one would suck.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 08:37:29 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on February 01, 2025, 05:45:30 amI mean, that’s par for the course for desoldering stations. Standalone desoldering guns are cheaper.I have the SX-90 (which is completely identical to the SX-100 other than the color of the ink used to print the logo onto the handpiece) and it’s great.As best I can tell, Pace has the biggest selection of desoldering tips, including a few designed for vacuuming clean SMD pads, plus a genius one with an oblong opening for desoldering the tabs of potentiometers and the like. And the consumables are way cheaper than others’.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 08:38:33 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on February 06, 2025, 07:46:49 pmI think this is especially a problem if you use fine tips and the fine cleaning pins that go with them. This allows crud to build up on the inner wall of the heater and then when you put a bigger tip on, there's limited flow and the cleaning pin won't go through it. I'm still on the original heater but I've spent some time frantically ramming the pin through the heater and fishing out the crud from both ends. With the Pace system, the absolute worst case is that if it sucks up something terrible like melted plastic with ceramic powder in it, you just throw the tip and the collection cartridge away and install new for less than $15.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2025, 02:00:05 am
content: QuoteMy manual only mentions the valve, but doesn't show it or how to replace it.Interesting, I didn't know this could be an issue and may need to be replaced. My assumption was anything related to the tip, filter, and cartridge, were typical replacement stuff. Anything more probably wouldn't be worth the cost because I assume once they go, the unit would be old.Maybe I'll pick up some valves in the near future. I already purchased several filters just in case, but I haven't used mine enough to go through the first.

author: Esposch T. Tapir
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2025, 11:04:09 am
content: Quote from: bostonman on February 07, 2025, 02:00:05 amIf you remove the yellow plastic sheath at the rear of the gun, you'll see some Phillips head screws. Just unscrew them and you can remove and service the pump assembly, including the valve inside.The inside of the pump assembly, and especially the valve, gunks up over time due to flux deposits and really reduces the suction. You'd probably need to swap this out every couple of months if you're using it daily.Also, just in case anybody cares, our FR-301 arrived from Zenmarket today and it's super schmick!Runs like a treat on a cheap-ish eBay stepdown:https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272118730776Strong recommend to import for anyone in 240V land!

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2025, 02:24:19 pm
content: QuoteI seldom use mine. Since purchasing it almost a year ago, I've probably used it to suck a hundred pins total; cleaning it each time before storing it.Upon purchasing it, I watched a few videos on cleaning. One video went into removing the plastic and hose. My thought was that continuously doing this would result in screw holes enlarging and pieces becoming lose. If I remember correctly, some on here stated they've never dug that deep into cleaning, but I agree, continuous use would require a thorough cleaning.Eventually I'll do a deep clean on mine, but so far I'm happy with mine and cleaning after each use isn't very difficult.One word of caution is to wear safety glasses when cleaning. When I remove the plastic cartridge, I scrap some pieces of solder off the rear of the suction chamber and a hot piece of solder can easily go in your eye.

author: r6502
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2025, 08:29:17 pm
content: Hi all,at my company, we have a JBC DR560 desoldering system. I like this very much, easy to use, reliable, easy change of the tips, easy to clean. This is something that is not just nice but need to have. If somebody needs it for professional purpose, bye this equipment.I 'm also looking for a new desoldering gun as a hobbyist. For my old ERSA MS 8000 it is meanwhile hard to get tips and spare parts.As a hobbyist, my budget is not that big, to purchase the a new JBC. I looked a long time in the bye, but did not really found the DR560 used. Instead i found a used Pace MBT PPS 85E, for a good price (less then half of the price of only the DR560 iron) with lots of accessories and bought it yesterday. I hope I can use the Pace in the mean time, until I'll get a DR5600 iron.Question regarding the DR560 iron from JBC:Would it be possible, to supply the DR560 iron with a small DIY adapter from the JBC CD series stations and use a small external diaphragm vacuum pump - comparable to the CS station from JBC? In this case I had to bye the DR560 iron only - vacuum pump exists from the ERSA or when delivered from the Pace.Guido