Revisiting Hot Air Rework Stations - Which to buy?

I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/YIHUA-858D

Love it, it's been great, reliable. But I know nothing about what's out there to compare with. It's the only hot air station I ever used.

For the 858D, it's like open source, cloned all over, can be modded, etc. Think only certain clones can be modded though, from what I read.

I’ve been looking lately as well. Problem for me is im wanting to upgrade to a higher watt iron as well. Something atleast 70watts. It seems 60 is the max before needing to jump up to big bucks. Under $100 is ok for me.

It’s also hard to choose because as we know these specs can be and are inflated or manipulated by the manufacturer. So I could pay $40 more to get an extra 15watts that don’t really exist.

So, sorry pd, my post is not that helpful :frowning:

I bought a Weller 100 watt temperature controlled soldering iron years ago. It was recalled recently for a faulty power cord. So I sent mine back without the tip and they sent me a replacement with a brand new 700 degree F tip. I use it for soldering large ground planes and chassis grounds. Great product, great company

The product page says "Smartxchoices Pro 2In1 862D+ SMD Soldering Iron Hot Air Rework Station LED Display w/4 Nozzles As Free Gifts (#1)". It looks pretty good. The price is $55.49 (say 45% off).

The iron I use is a Aoyue 9378

It’s 60watt but so far I haven’t been wanting for more power. I do need to get some new tips though, mine are pretty terrible right now.

Thanks, looks similar to the 852D+ I linked earlier

https://www.amazon.com/Smartxchoices-Soldering-Station-Display-Nozzles/dp/B01CBKWG3A

$99 is too much for me this year. I’m not sure about the pump in the base. I’m sure it is more reliable and robust, but it also makes the cord/tube to the unit thicker. Does that get annoying in your experience?

4wheelr’s description is correct.

It looks like the MarkEthan 852D you linked in post #2. Price is the same as posted on weldandsolder.com.($55.59). When you click “add to cart” button there it takes you to Amazon to finish checkout

Edit: your link in post #14 is the one.

I really like the look of those, but man they’re big. No way they would fit on my desk. I wonder if there’s a way to find out how long the cords are.

edit: actually, looking at the scale of the handle, they might not be that big. The box shape just makes it look like it.

The cord/air tube is much thicker, but it hasn’t been a problem for me because it’s very flexible . You may, or may not like it. I’d invite you over to check it out if you ever visit Long Island

The 862D+ looks pretty good right now, I like the completely separate controls for air/iron. I just can’t find any specs on the wattage ratings for each side.

I have the Aoyue 937+ with several Hakko T18 tips. It’s like a whole new solder station with the Hakko tips. They work so much better than the tips that came with the station.

You could almost buy a whole new solder station for the same price :smiley:

The ones I’m finding are a small set for $30+ :open_mouth:

The three I bought were half the price of the solder station. A cylindrical point, 2.4mm chisel tip, and a 3.2mm chisel tip. About 8 bucks each, but they sure work good.

Hello everyone,
You can go to this site and take a look around:

They have a lot of options and parts for replace. By the way, I’m a newbie here and learning a lot, thank you BLF.

bump to see if there are any more opinions out there.


Currently top of my list are:

853D, because it has a small DC power supply built it, which would be convenient and save desk space.

and

862D+, becaue it has knobs for everything instead of messing with holding down buttons.

Either unit would never do for me. I would never give up my Hakko iron - there's no wiggle room there. One time I accidentally cut through the cord to the iron - replacement cost almost as much as the full up iron - I ordered another Hakko without delay. Felt like a complete novice using my backup - totally useless. The Hakko is that good. Dale says pretty much the same thing about his. Dunno how anyone else mods without one, or something comparable.

For $97, but of course just the iron: https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-Digital-FX888D-Soldering-Station/dp/B00AWUFVY8

I have no problems with my iron, I’m just worried about having space on desk for two boxes and two power cords. That’s why I’m primarily looking at combo units.

For flashlights use i am currently working with Gordak 850, using it for 2 years already, made like 300+ drivers, dedomed zounds emitters, remade lotsa drivers and dismanteled unknown numbers of other el.components- working like a champ- bought it vs….prolly 80 usd

Meanwhile my work Weller Hot Air station failed twice, price difference is above 20x

Brands aint what they use to be…

Great Iron. I’ve been using mine more than my Weller these days. I only use Hakko tips with it, never aftermarket ones.