Desoldering tool recommendations

runawayabc123

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So, with that time of year coming, I think I might be able to swing getting a new (to me) desoldering "tool".

Right now, I have radio shack desoldering puller (the push down pen/tube) and the radio shack desoldering iron with built in bulb.

I NEVER got any useful use out of the puller.

The desoldering iron seemed to work ok, (at least way better than braid), but often took me a could of tries.

My soldering iron is a analog temperature setting XY tronic iron. I think I am happy with it. (Or at least I don't know any better.) Sometimes when pulling a leg of a cap out of a PCB, it doesn't seem to have enough heat to get the leg out, but that could have also been my tip choice. (It is older and tip choices are limited from few sellers, and maybe I am too lazy to swap out tips after it is on/the tip is hot.)

So, what should I get for desoldering?

I know the Hakko FR300 is pretty popular on this forum.

I'm not opposed to something that is more modular (larger and more expensive).

I want this to last me 30years, where ideally I don't have to leave it behind because I can't get parts (either broken or consumable) for it. (Something about paper filters or glass?)

I've seen the cheapo stations on ebay. I want to spend more than $100.

You may need to educate me as to what is best and why?

I'm not opposed to used.

Thanks!
 
Buying a brand new Hakko FR-300 is the only way to go as a hobbyist. ($200-300 range).

If you are pro and repair pcb's for a living or income, then drop $500-1000 on a real
professional desoldering solution, they're out there.
 
If you are pro and repair pcb's for a living or income, then drop $500-1000 on a real
professional desoldering solution, they're out there.

Is the difference in time it takes or quality of the final work?

I'm not a pro... but not opposed to getting the right tool.

I do have an air compressor (I'm assuming that is what "shop air" means).

What are the choices in the $500 side of the range? (And what do I not get that I would get that is in the $1000 side of the range?)
 
Buying a brand new Hakko FR-300 is the only way to go as a hobbyist. ($200-300 range).

Solid advice.
Spoil yourself for Christmas, you will love it.
If you are currently using a spring loaded solder sucker using he Hakko will be a "spiritual awakening" of sorts.
 
FR-300 FTW. It will last you 30 years (if you take proper care of it).

I use my Hakko 808 every day (the previous version of the FR-300), and have been for 4 straight years now. It's the best piece of gear I own.

I have friends who have the tabletop stations, and I don't see the benefit vs a standalone gun. It's simple, well-built, portable, and it works.
 
I have a Hakko 808 and although it requires frequent maintenance and care, it has only jammed up on me once in the last 5+ years I have been using it. Sometimes flux vapor can get into the vacuum pump assembly which binds it up, and you have to take it apart to clean it. Once the 808 gives up on me (if it ever does), I'll be investing in a FR-300.
 
What are the choices in the $500 side of the range? (And what do I not get that I would get that is in the $1000 side of the range?)

I haven't ever purchased a Hakko, but I think the difference is parts and expandability.

I have a Pace MBT 250 station, I think it retails for around $1500 ( I got mine used off ebay for far less)

You can buy all kinds of different tips, and handpieces for it, even for QFP, surface mount, etc. You can buy a foot pedal option, and the durability of the equipment is pretty good.

You can also buy replacement parts for every little thing.

I like the range of tips available and is mostly why I settled on it.

As far as quality of how good of a job it does, that's kinda up to the skills of the person working on it. You can have the best and still screw up a trace or pad, especially on these old boards. You have to get a feel for best temperature and amount of time to hold onto the part.
 
i have three of the edsyn ZD500DX and they are expensive but i have used my original two for 20+ years and i just bought another one this year and i am super happy with it. they are normally about 650.00 but if your interested shoot me a PM because i know a company that had a couple on sale for 480.00. the tip selection is well over a dozen different sizes and if the tip is too big or too small no desoldering tool works perfect.
 
Cheap(er) Desoldering Station Recommendation

So, with that time of year coming, I think I might be able to swing getting a new (to me) desoldering "tool".

Since I started working on boards I found I *had* to have a desoldering station to remove chips, sockets, etc. You can do it with a hand tool but it is very time consuming. I'm pretty poor, so I looked around for a cheap but decent one and found the ZD-985.
http://a.co/2ld1D4z
I saw a review and for the money it seemed like it would do the job so I took a chance. I got it a few weeks back and I am TOTALLY happy with it. Yes, it's a cheap "China" unit, but it works fantastic. I bought this one for $149 on Amazon but I see it is up to $159 now.
Anyway, if you want to go a bit cheaper but still get a good unit, I recommend this one.
-Commander Dave
 
FR300.

I have a desokdering station and the FR300 is better and easier.

So I have one of these on my list to Santa. I certainly trust the opinions here more than those of the commenters on Amazon, but there seem to be a lot of comments about the FR-300 failing quickly? Is this a lot of "user error" or is it something to be concerned about (or at least not be surprised if it does fail)?

I'm currently using one of these, so looking for an improvement.
 

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So I have one of these on my list to Santa. I certainly trust the opinions here more than those of the commenters on Amazon, but there seem to be a lot of comments about the FR-300 failing quickly? Is this a lot of "user error" or is it something to be concerned about (or at least not be surprised if it does fail)?

I'm currently using one of these, so looking for an improvement.

The early models had a heater problem. But that was almost 2 years ago. Newer ones don't have that problem.
 
I am currently looking at the 3 hakko desoldering station for banning.
While i love my old pace machine the cost of parts have gone up considerable. The consumables and tips are expensive also.
i am going to shy away from the japanese hakko runing at 100v. Even tho it cheaper. I am not sure if the lack of current on the 100v one kills them or they are part of the batch of the older design which cause them to have heater issues. I know a guy with 2 dead 100v ones.

The kit with the stand and other bits is 350.
I think i found another place for 300.
I need to do a little research to make sure they are legitimate before i post about them.
 
Solid advice.
Spoil yourself for Christmas, you will love it.
If you are currently using a spring loaded solder sucker using he Hakko will be a "spiritual awakening" of sorts.

This, so much this. Just picked one up today.
 
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