$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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
I was feeling dumb a couple weeks ago when I thought it was bad. Nope, the tip wasn’t screwed down tight. It works so fast, but it’s unwieldy.
I wanted more control, so I got an Auyoe 937+ adjustable soldering station. I have doubts that this is working correctly, and I’ll be testing it soon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I30QBW/
I couldn’t find my soldering gun for years, so I picked up a Benzomatic butane soldering iron. That thing gets super hot, can do very thick wire, can be used for heat shrink, but I’ve had a couple of mishaps with the heat port burning things that shouldn’t be burned.
There’s a cheap soldering iron, pencil type, 30 watts. Model VEC228. This was my first soldering iron and still occasionally use.
I too would like a nice 2 in 1 station to use ocassinally.
A couple things that stand out. I’ve heard from people that the air guns that use the pump in the housing have very annoying hoses. They have to be a bit firm to prevent linking and this can knock stuff over or off your work space. So I’m thinking a air motor in the handle is the better choice.
Second is a temp display in Fahrenheit. I’m American and not used to Celsius. Fahrenheit is just easier for me.
I’m gonna do some more research in this 995d unit by Yescom. It’s a little higher in price at $86 with free shipping from jet.com, but you seem to get a lot more.
It has a calibration function to get your temperatures more accurate. An 80w iron. A really nice display with a choice of Celsius or Fahrenheit. Iron sleep function of soldering iron in standby mode to avoid iron tip oxidation at high temperature. Auto or manual startup function of airflow temperature. Plus more neat stuff.