I have been using PilotDog68’s method for awhile now. Darice hot air embossing tool! It works well, but I find that there are many times that I would like to move 1 part or add 1 part and it tends to blow things around since the entire board melts. I am not quite steady enough to use an iron to do SMD work.
I am looking at a refurbished Aoyue 899A+, right around $100 shipped. It looks to be a pretty well reviewed unit and has a good set of basic features.
I am looking for suggestions for decent budget units, I would even consider good condition used units since the price drop might allow for more features or for a more robust heating system.
I am using an adjustable heat/hot air gun with nozzles I bought from an aliexpress seller. It works. Not the perfect solutions but I can adjust the heat on the gun but also with distance/movement of the gun. If I pick a very small nozzle I can even pinpoint specific SMDs rather than the entire board. This is not as exact as a real rework station but good enough for me.
I saw those Aoyue stations for 50-60 bucks new on ebay? (maybe it was a different model, I might be wrong)
bumping a zombie post but Mattlward did you ever get a station (if so, then which model?) I’m in market & don’t think I want to invest too much into it as I only want it to reflow a few emitters from the top of the board. Something as cheap as these shouldn’t be considered by me, right? Those things sorta look like fire hazards. Or am I wrong & there are ppl happy w/ them?
I would not solder an led from the top! They get to hot for that…
This is what I use and have used for over 1 year. Works well! I am trying to pick one, looking at the Xtronic. I have 2 of their irons and like them. They are Chinese built, but add in features in the design. Sold in the US as well.
But wait -> isn’t reflowing an led from the top done when it’s on a board that’s populated w/ components on the other side? Or am I missing something here? It’s pretty much why I’m looking for a hot air reflow gun.
In around 2015 i bought a Atten AT858D+ and the thing works just fine, i paid 40 bucks and it does everything i want it to.
Unless you use the thing very often, anything more then that is money thrown out of the window.
It does not blow things away, i can just re solder a single 0603 with it and it has not cooked or destroyed chips.
The only problem i ever had was desoldering WS2812 LEDs, the case either melted or the solder did not melt, but that i do not blame on a cheap hot air station.
Already reflowed LEDs with it, takes only seconds! Best investment ever, you’ll save time.
pros:
- very small form factor
- new model
- power supply unit works on 110V/220V
- all the standard parts fit (nozzles, replacement handles, …)
- digital display/control
- good build quality, fit & finish
- the seller linked above has multiple warehouses and it arrived quickly
- the holder/rest even includes magnets for the reed switch inside handle
requires only 300W max., more efficient than older devices
cons:
- no custom firmware available
- the handle is either 110V or 220V (if you move you wouldn’t have to buy the entire device; 220V handle works in the Americas, 110V handle shouldn’t be used in Europe)
- slightly more expensive but worth it IMO
the chimes/beeps are not consistent, maybe I’ll replace the buzzer
Although I don't have it yet.....I think I have decided to go with one from Circuit Specialist (Arizona / USA) as soon as I can afford to make an order for it and the other few things I need / want. The one I am looking at is the Digital (adjustable) Solder Iron / Hot air Gun combo for only $54.95
They sell the "house brand" I guess you would call them , that just has the Circuit Specialist logo on them , (along with other brands) but the station , tips , solder (mostly MG brand solder) and few tools I have gotten from them are of good and / or decent quality and the shipping is fast and reliable. If you look under the price , where you "add to cart" many times they have the same item in a refurbished model for 10 to 25% less even.
Also all kinds of Soldering equipment , testing equipment , power supplies , stepper motors , chemicals and more on their site.
Could be worth a look for anyone searching for any of this stuff.
Yeah man, been looking to put a Travel Kit together. Being a Mechanical Service/Installation Tech. I travel alot, and spend months at a time before I go home for the occasional week end off, so I pass the time in the Hotel modding! This looks to be perfect for me at a very good price!
Is AOYUE the best brand for soldering irons and hot air rework stations?
I see it recommended all the time, I’m wondering if there is anything better, regardless of price.
I am not sure which company manufactures which brand, but my devices are all “Yihua”. Functionally and physically close/same as the others I have seen though.
Nope, the best of the cheap ones though.
There is not even a “best one” unless money is of no concern, it depends on what you need and want.
JBC, Ersa, Hakko are the ones you want to buy to get a proper one, which of them does not matter much.
My personal preference is Ersa but that’s only because i have been using one for the past 15 years.
