The Ali Express 11/11 sale is coming up and I’m tempted by a hot air gun to make reflowing,heat shrinking etc,easier.The problem is,I do not know if a station is really worth twice the price for occasional use compared to a handheld one.I’m looking at this reflow station which comes to $41.50 after 15% off plus $5 coupon,ro this handheld unit which comes to $21.50 after 15% off and $3 coupon.The station is 700 watts versus 420 watts for the handheld.Both go to 450°c(860°f) and both have temp and air flow dials.On the one hand,I don’t want to get a second rate unit for the sake of saving $20,but on the other hand,is it really better just for having the dials on a separate box.The station can push up to 120 litres of air per minute,handheld doesn’t say.What do the people that use them think.
I cannot delete an OP so I”ll let it just slide down.
Anything like this I usually do a Google search on it to see if any issues pop up. Good luck.
I’d go for the station.
It’s purpose-made for what you want to do.
You may find the gun lacks the flexibility/fine adjustment.
I have a station (700W 858D+). I have had to turn up the heat quite a bit for some desoldering work. If you are only reflowing emitters you may not need a station. One concern is the weight of the handheld unit, another is the nozzle sizes (minimum on my station is 4mm, smallest on the handheld is 7mm), but you can get spare nozzles.
I was going with the handheld but now I’m not so sure.Thanks,I’m going to sleep on it,not the moment to make decisions 
I’ve been eyeing the 420W handheld one for quite a while. It has always been between $27-$30. I’ve browsed through several listing in Aliexpress and the reviews are not bad. I suppose it will be sufficient for hobby use.
Pretty sure I’m picking it up if it drops to ~$21 on 11th.
EDIT: I think it should be $28.99 15% $2 = $22.65.
I was going to post a link here today but you beat me to it.You are right,$2 coupon not $3.Easy shopping store and Buy in coins both have the handheld for the same price,well 1 cent difference 
Where can I use the $3 coupon? Thanks a lot.
It’s $2 coupon, and you use it when checking out. There’s a button at bottom of checkout page saying Aliexpress coupon, check it, then your options will appear.
Well in the end,I’ve ordered the Yihua reflow station.Chloe’s advice on the extra power just tilted it.Thanks Chloe.Pulsar 13,I see you went with the handheld,nice one.I also got a triple bike light with headband and bike clamp and battery carrier for $17 as a host.
There is no such option for me?
Umm… did you grab the coupon before today?
No? And this is the reason?
Then you really don’t have any coupons like the page says Sorry man.
$24 is still a nice price though, if it’s any consolation. I’ve had this on my wishlist since earlier this year and it’s never dropped to that price before.
Lol, alright then.
I didn’t know how these coupons work, and most importantly I just decided to buy this hot air gun today lol.
It is always the same for me,with the hour sec kill from Wallbuys as well.First time errors,second time,got it.