A good deal on a soldering/hot air rework station

[Alex Franke]

I didn't put this in Bargain Alerts because it's not really related to woodworking, but I know a lot of us here like to make stuff even if it's not out of wood...

I was replacing a soldering station and ran across this soldering and hot air rework station for around $80 shipping included, and that's a pretty darn good deal for an occasional user. It looks suspiciously similar to Chinese units sold under a number of different brands. I'll take a chance on it and see how it holds up. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZB9D4O

[LCHIEN]

yeah those are knock offs of the Hakko stations.
Got one last year for the lab at work, a Quakko, it takes the Hakko accessories. Seems to work OK.

[dkerfoot]

Let us know how it works. That is pretty tempting!

[Alex Franke]

I just did a quick test of the soldering iron and the hot air gun and so far they work like a charm. The tiny SMT chips just pop right off -- couldn't be easier. When you flip the switch off the unit even stays on for a bit blowing air until it reaches a safe temperature.

It would be nice to have temperatures in F as well as C, but for the money so far I'm not complaining.

@LCHIEN - I love the name "Quakko!" LOL

[gerti]

Does the soldering iron lay good in the hand, and is the cable leading up to it more a normal one or one of those really flexible teflon cables?

Thanks

Gerd

[Alex Franke]

Does the soldering iron lay good in the hand, and is the cable leading up to it more a normal one or one of those really flexible teflon cables?

It seems fine to me -- probably a bit more comfortable than I'm used to, but I've only had cheap irons before. Its not as solid or comfortable as others I've used from time to time (but not owned myself). The iron cable is round and flexible, and I can loop it pretty easily down to about the size of a quarter. It has a 5-pin plug. The hot air side is a thicker tube, and loops down to about the size of a quart paint can before it starts to kink.

I can try to get you some pictures tomorrow if you want. Let me know...

[LinuxRandal]

I am going to ask a stupid question as the only one I would have known to use one of these, is dead. Do these only hold irons, and if so the largest?

I tend to use guns a lot more then irons, but know even the old manual soldering irons are useful (friend just used a LARGE one in his hot rod building).

Thanks

[LCHIEN]

I am going to ask a stupid question as the only one I would have known to use one of these, is dead. Do these only hold irons, and if so the largest?

I tend to use guns a lot more then irons, but know even the old manual soldering irons are useful (friend just used a LARGE one in his hot rod building).

Thanks

these tend to be for microelectronics work, where the leads are .025" apart. not for plumbing and welding and such so the irons are small, 15-watt or so and have leetle tiny tips.

[Alex Franke]

This one came with a number of tips -- point, fine point, chisel, spade, etc -- and they're meant more for detailed work like LCHIEN says. I can measure the tips for you tomorrow if you want; just let me know.

This unit is listed as 700 watts with temperature ranges from 100-500 degrees C (212 to ~930 F) on both the iron and the hot air.

The hot air is mainly useful for removing surface-mounted chips and shrinking heat-shrink tubing, but I admit I'm tempted to cook dinner with it tomorrow.

[LCHIEN]

probably make a good Creme Brulee.

[gsmittle]

@LCHIEN - I love the name "Quakko!" LOL

Wonder if there are Wakko and Dot models… All made by the Anamanialectronics Company.

g.

[jnesmith]

I have no idea what that thing is. Do I need one?

[dkerfoot]

I have no idea what that thing is. Do I need one?

Not unless you are into repairing electronics.

[jnesmith]

Not unless you are into repairing electronics.

Nope, I'm only into purchasing them. And occasionally even using them.