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Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:11:51 +0100
From: Ed Simmons <ed AT estechnical DOT co DOT uk>
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CC: Rob Butts <r DOT butts2 AT gmail DOT com>
Subject: Re: [geda-user] Soldering Station suggestions
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On 15/10/13 11:06, gene glick wrote:
> On 10/13/2013 05:03 PM, Rob Butts wrote:
>> I  have to replace my soldering station which was a weller soldering
>> station.  Can I get suggestions for small surface mount components?  I
>> see there are combo soldering iron and hot air units.  Is hot air easier
>> to solder small smd components?
>> Thanks
>
>
> The Metcal are very good.
>
> At work, we use Hakko. I've used both, and both are excellent. The
> Hakko goes to 840F, and the Metcal may not, as I recall. If you are
> doing a lot of high-temp solder work, you may need the higher
> temperature.
>
> gene
We've been through a number of soldering stations, in fact one of the
best I've used is an ebay special...

We have an Aoyue 909 which includes a temperature controlled iron and
hot air tool. We find both very useful, using the hot air tool in a
retort stand allows easy placement of the heat. We have two
thermocouples and display (actually, it's a prototype of the reflow
controller that was recyled) that we use to monitor the progress of
working with sensitive parts.

The bits for the irons are cheap (as are replacement irons) and come in
a wide range of styles, the hot air tool is an asset.

Ok, it's not got Weller/Metcal/Hakko written on it, but it does the job
nicely and I would certainly buy another when I find space to house
another soldering bod.

:)

Ed