The Living Soldering Thread

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

What would you all recommend as the best desoldering station under $200? I'd prefer spending closer to $100 if possible.

I'd actually love to know as well. I used a desoldering iron with a soldapult built in, but the chamber is limited and its of poor quality. Buying a larger Edsyn solder sucker works on a single go every time fwiw. I think the main reason people have difficulty with solder suckers is that they buy the smaller/cheaper kinds with smaller chambers.

[Blaise170]

What would you all recommend as the best desoldering station under $200? I'd prefer spending closer to $100 if possible.

I'd actually love to know as well. I used a desoldering iron with a soldapult built in, but the chamber is limited and its of poor quality. Buying a larger Edsyn solder sucker works on a single go every time fwiw. I think the main reason people have difficulty with solder suckers is that they buy the smaller/cheaper kinds with smaller chambers.

I've bought suckers both expensive and cheap and they are always good for awhile until eventually they just start falling apart. Wick works well but I'm not very good at using it. I'd rather just get a nice desoldering station and stop messing about with buying a new pump every few weeks.

[filphil]

What would you all recommend as the best desoldering station under $200? I'd prefer spending closer to $100 if possible.

I'd actually love to know as well. I used a desoldering iron with a soldapult built in, but the chamber is limited and its of poor quality. Buying a larger Edsyn solder sucker works on a single go every time fwiw. I think the main reason people have difficulty with solder suckers is that they buy the smaller/cheaper kinds with smaller chambers.

I've bought suckers both expensive and cheap and they are always good for awhile until eventually they just start falling apart. Wick works well but I'm not very good at using it. I'd rather just get a nice desoldering station and stop messing about with buying a new pump every few weeks.

Yeah I sort of see them as a wear item.  I always clean mine after use and put a light amount of lube before putting it away. 

[itzmeluigi]

What would you all recommend as the best desoldering station under $200? I'd prefer spending closer to $100 if possible.

I use a S-993A desoldering gun, its amazing and i would never want to desolder anything without it. The Hakko FR-300 will certainly be better quality but its $250, and new Hakko desoldering stations seem to be well upwards of $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-993A-110V-90W-Electric-Vacuum-Desoldering-Pump-Solder-Sucker-Gun-In-US-/251876278039

There is the CSI 474A, which is a rebranded Aoyue,(Hakko clone)
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/Compact_Desoldering_System.html (their ebay listing of it http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESD-Safe-Compact-Desoldering-Station-CSI474A-/381412876949)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AOYUE-474A-Desoldering-Station-70-W-110-V-/131575282254
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aoyue-474A-Digital-Desoldering-Station-/131493990376

Maybe try finding a used Hakko 470 or 471, theres a few up for bid on ebay.

It will probably be hard finding genuine Hakko or Weller in that price range unless someone is selling it used for a generous price.

[Steezus]

Does anybody have experience with, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IJVVY0/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g469_i1_sh

It looks very tempting and the reviews seem rather good.

Edit: I'm looking for a good professional level rework station, something that will last me a long time and hold up well. I'm sure there is better hakkos but not sure what to look at, I'd be willing to spend a little more but not looking to drop anything like $600 or so.

[henz]

bought meslef a new station thiw weekend. A Weller WSD 81, with a WP 80 iron and WDH10t stand. Going to be in soldering heaven..

Cost a fortune though, but was getting tired of my weller soldering pen.

[phoenix1234]

I've bought suckers both expensive and cheap and they are always good for awhile until eventually they just start falling apart. Wick works well but I'm not very good at using it. I'd rather just get a nice desoldering station and stop messing about with buying a new pump every few weeks.

I think the desoldering station definitely will help us a lot in term of convenience and performance. But when it comes to dollar and cent, even on high quality desoldering station coming from Weller or PACE, their accessories will get messed and required to have replacement regularly.

[digi]

Something isn't right if a Soldapult isn't working for you, they're cheap and they work great. I'm wondering if your temps are high enough for desoldering?

[swimmingbird]

Something isn't right if a Soldapult isn't working for you, they're cheap and they work great. I'm wondering if your temps are high enough for desoldering?

Problem I always had with the soldapult is that it would only partially remove solder even with tons on there

[Steezus]

Something isn't right if a Soldapult isn't working for you, they're cheap and they work great. I'm wondering if your temps are high enough for desoldering?

Problem I always had with the soldapult is that it would only partially remove solder even with tons on there

Some are obviously better than others. If you have to go the soldapult route I recommend the SS-02, it has really nice build quality and has worked perfectly through multiple boards. I find it sucks up all the solder rather well if you have a good seal with the silicon tube at the end while the tip of your solder pen is keeping the solder flowing.

[swimmingbird]

Something isn't right if a Soldapult isn't working for you, they're cheap and they work great. I'm wondering if your temps are high enough for desoldering?

Problem I always had with the soldapult is that it would only partially remove solder even with tons on there

Some are obviously better than others. If you have to go the soldapult route I recommend the SS-02, it has really nice build quality and has worked perfectly through multiple boards. I find it sucks up all the solder rather well if you have a good seal with the silicon tube at the end while the tip of your solder pen is keeping the solder flowing.

Yeah to be fair my experience extends to the one included for free with my FX888D so probably not the best

[tofgerl]

It's getting a proper seal while the solder is still flowing that's the problem. This is the big draw of desoldering guns or the like...

[wockytocky]

Something isn't right if a Soldapult isn't working for you, they're cheap and they work great. I'm wondering if your temps are high enough for desoldering?

Problem I always had with the soldapult is that it would only partially remove solder even with tons on there

Some are obviously better than others. If you have to go the soldapult route I recommend the SS-02, it has really nice build quality and has worked perfectly through multiple boards. I find it sucks up all the solder rather well if you have a good seal with the silicon tube at the end while the tip of your solder pen is keeping the solder flowing.

Recently ordered that exact one after hearing so many great things about it. I'm hoping it works as well as people say it does because I really don't want to have to buy a desoldering gun, tempting as they sound...

[digi]

If you're using a fixed temp soldering iron, you should consider upgrading to a variable soldering iron like the Edsyn or Hakko before throwing money at a de-soldering gun, just my 2 cents. A chisel tips helps disperse the heat better than a standard tip too.

I like to turn the temp up on my iron when/if I de-solderer, it's quicker and I'm able to grab more solder (as long as the switch leads aren't bent, that's always fun)...and it's faster.

[Blaise170]

I have the FX-888D, it's not that suckers don't work, it's that they break too often and it makes my hand cramp after extended desoldering sessions.

[jdcarpe]

If you're having trouble with a Soldapullt, it may be that yours is a fake? I bought my DS-017 directly from Edson by phoning their customer service number listed on their website. Has never failed me, although it needs to be cleaned often.

[swimmingbird]

If you're having trouble with a Soldapullt, it may be that yours is a fake? I bought my DS-017 directly from Edson by phoning their customer service number listed on their website. Has never failed me, although it needs to be cleaned often.

Yeah the one that came with mine was downright awful

The metal guide rod part actually fell through the plunger after an hours worth of use or so

[tofgerl]

I'm pretty happy with my random sucker from DealExtreme, but I would never imagine it to be among the best. That said, together with some desoldering braid, a HOT iron and cursing and repeating myself I get done what I need to get done.

The thing is, if you're going to get a desoldering gun, why not think about why you need to desolder stuff all the time first? Are you often making mistakes - how about thinking twice before you cut once?

Of course, if you're desoldering old boards for harvesting switches, that's different.

[Blaise170]

I do more than just keyboard work, and for the keyboard work I am doing, a gun would be great as I do a lot of switch swapping and switch harvesting.

[nmur]

I've got one of these, and attempting soldering for the first time on it (and the first time for me in 5ish years).

The tip is very thin, and even on maximum heat, while the base of the tip heats up just fine, the end 2mm of the tip doesn't get very hot at all.

Is the tip damaged at all? it's the only one it came with and it's the first time I've used it too.

[Blaise170]

That's just a poor tip for high heat since it has very little surface area.

[henz]

I've got one of these, and attempting soldering for the first time on it (and the first time for me in 5ish years).

The tip is very thin, and even on maximum heat, while the base of the tip heats up just fine, the end 2mm of the tip doesn't get very hot at all.

Is the tip damaged at all? it's the only one it came with and it's the first time I've used it too.

Show Image

Can be the tip, do you have any other tip to try with?

[nmur]

thx guys

That's just a poor tip for high heat since it has very little surface area.

yeah all the keyboard soldering videos I've seen don't use tips as thin as these. apparently it's compatible with tips like these so I'll try to pick some up

I've got one of these, and attempting soldering for the first time on it (and the first time for me in 5ish years).

The tip is very thin, and even on maximum heat, while the base of the tip heats up just fine, the end 2mm of the tip doesn't get very hot at all.

Is the tip damaged at all? it's the only one it came with and it's the first time I've used it too.

Show Image

Can be the tip, do you have any other tip to try with?

unfortunately that's the only tip it came with :/ and I don't have another to try it with

[gabba-gool]

Is there a GH recommended solder?

[Steezus]

Is there a GH recommended solder?

Check the OP for all the info you need.

[gabba-gool]

Is there a GH recommended solder?

Check the OP for all the info you need.

Thanks!

[dohbot]

What do I need to solder one switch? Is there a package of sorts that has a temperature controlled soldering iron and all the stuff that I need to clean it and not die? Also is there a solder spool with less in it that is recommended? Also I would like to practice before I do the real thing, so is there a kit that I could buy somewhere? Thanks!

[HTN47]

Hey guys, I just started my first soldering project, so far it works but a few keys seem to be... Nonfunctional. Namely the 0 (zero), 1, esc, and space bar keys
I thought I did a pretty decent job but I guess not... Any help would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pics of the keys. I apologize for the low quality pics, I only have an iPhone 6s to take pictures with.
Ps. This is a tx87 pcb if that helps.
Thanks in advance guys 

Edit: so, for some reason the page up, page down, end, home, delete, and insert keys are all off set also. When I press the insert key, it registers end instead, and home is page up, etc.
Maybe it's a controller problem? I'm so lost... 

[MOZ]

Looks like you missed the diode on the 0 key.

The diode anode on the space bar looks like it might be a cold joint. I'd reflow solder on both pads of the diode for the 1, Esc and space.

[HTN47]

Looks like you missed the diode on the 0 key.

The diode anode on the space bar looks like it might be a cold joint. I'd reflow solder on both pads of the diode for the 1, Esc and space.

Thank you so much for your help 
That did the trick on all the keys, however my escape key still have issues....
I think I might have screwed up the pad when I was trying to add solder to the diode...
Here is a picture of me terrible mistake
Is there anyway I can "jump" the keys? Maybe use the diode from another key... I don't know... Just any way I can fix this I guess haha
Thanks for the help 

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

So just a follow up to the question about a good desoldering station. After the previous comment, I bit the bullet and purchased the ESD Safe Compact Desoldering Station - CSI474A from ebay.

Came out to around ~ 100 USD. Can't sing its praises enough. Works perfect and makes desoldering a 60% board a 5-10 minute job tops.

[MOZ]

Looks like you missed the diode on the 0 key.

The diode anode on the space bar looks like it might be a cold joint. I'd reflow solder on both pads of the diode for the 1, Esc and space.

Thank you so much for your help 
That did the trick on all the keys, however my escape key still have issues....
I think I might have screwed up the pad when I was trying to add solder to the diode...
Here is a picture of me terrible mistake
Is there anyway I can "jump" the keys? Maybe use the diode from another key... I don't know... Just any way I can fix this I guess haha
Thanks for the help 

If you have indeed lifted the pad what you can do is wire the diode to the trace (Peel off some of the black mask) coming to the pad. The photos aren't very clear so it's hard to tell if the pad is damaged or see the trace coming to the pad (To suggest where to jumper the diode)

[tjcaustin]

Looks like I need to go through and update some of the soldering iron links, specifically for edsyn.  Also, I think they've stopped offering the budget special I had up so if we want to start a discussion here for the next day or so about budget level irons/stations until I get everything checked out again, I'd be up for that.

[mashby]

Looks like I need to go through and update some of the soldering iron links, specifically for edsyn.  Also, I think they've stopped offering the budget special I had up so if we want to start a discussion here for the next day or so about budget level irons/stations until I get everything checked out again, I'd be up for that.

Not exactly what you asked, but with the number of boards coming out with SMD parts, I'd be interested in learning more about budget hot air solutions.

[tjcaustin]

Looks like I need to go through and update some of the soldering iron links, specifically for edsyn.  Also, I think they've stopped offering the budget special I had up so if we want to start a discussion here for the next day or so about budget level irons/stations until I get everything checked out again, I'd be up for that.

Not exactly what you asked, but with the number of boards coming out with SMD parts, I'd be interested in learning more about budget hot air solutions.

Let's add that to the discussion, too.  That said, I don't think hot air stations worth the money spent are really a hobbiest's tool.  I also wouldn't mind discussions on home brew smd setups like the toaster build the guy (sorry, bad with names) on DT did.

[nhyrum]

FYI. The jewlers visor is gone from Amazon, all the esdyn links don't work and the eBay listing is old.

Anyway, good thread! I wish I remembered more from the electrical engineering class I took in college that went a great deal into soldering so I could add to this

[jdcarpe]

I recently recommended the Aoyue 2703A+ to Steezus, as he wanted something with hot air and a desoldering pump. I believe that is the station WFD used for rework. Not exactly a "budget" solution, but it's in the same range as getting a Hakko FX-888D plus an FR300 for desoldering.

[Steezus]

I recently recommended the Aoyue 2703A+ to Steezus, as he wanted something with hot air and a desoldering pump. I believe that is the station WFD used for rework. Not exactly a "budget" solution, but it's in the same range as getting a Hakko FX-888D plus an FR300 for desoldering.

I'm really liking it so far.

The desoldering gun needs some lubrication when you first get it otherwise the chamber can get clogged. It's pretty good at desoldering however if somebody fills the pin hole up with solder and runs it all the way down then sometimes it doesn't suck it all up. That's just usually when I refill it with solder and use a hand pump to get the rest.

My favorite part is the soldering pen with the attached fume extractor, saves a lot of brain cells.

I haven't got around to using the hot air gun yet but overall I like the system as a whole.

[Blaise170]

The desoldering gun needs some lubrication when you first get it otherwise the chamber can get clogged. It's pretty good at desoldering however if somebody fills the pin hole up with solder and runs it all the way down then sometimes it doesn't suck it all up. That's just usually when I refill it with solder and use a hand pump to get the rest.

Got any suggestions for using the desoldering gun? I just bought the Aoyue station a few days ago.

[Steezus]

The desoldering gun needs some lubrication when you first get it otherwise the chamber can get clogged. It's pretty good at desoldering however if somebody fills the pin hole up with solder and runs it all the way down then sometimes it doesn't suck it all up. That's just usually when I refill it with solder and use a hand pump to get the rest.

Got any suggestions for using the desoldering gun? I just bought the Aoyue station a few days ago.

The box comes with some lubricant in the inside. I recommend opening up the the chamber and lubing up the spring type thing inside like Aoyue recommends. I normally like to use the medium size tip for desoldering and just try to be quick with liquefying and sucking up the solder. There really isn't any tricks I found yet. If the person did a good soldering job in the first place then it should be easy.

[mashby]

I recently recommended the Aoyue 2703A+ to Steezus, as he wanted something with hot air and a desoldering pump. I believe that is the station WFD used for rework. Not exactly a "budget" solution, but it's in the same range as getting a Hakko FX-888D plus an FR300 for desoldering.

If I didn't already have a Hakko FX-888 and a Hakko808, then you're exactly right that this would be a great station. Unfortunately, I just want to add hot air to what I already have.

Anyone have any information about the toaster oven method?

[hasu]

DIY cheap toaster oven with thermocouple and simple Arduino controller works well to me. I was rather suspicious at the beggining but almost no problem with 0.8mm pitch TQFP(like ATMega32u4) and 1608metric chips so far, I'm very confident now. I use leaded solder paste, stencil from cheap fab.
But 0.5mm pitch TQFP tends to be always bridged with my current setup, maybe I need to learn about it further and improve stencil, solder paste apply and temperature profile. And I've not tried QFN package yet.

This is my humble toaster controller.
https://github.com/tmk/HeadlessReflowOven


As for hot air, I bought one of 858D variants, it is cheap but it works well enough for the price. I don't know how good high-end expensive hotairs are, though.

[Kalp1]

Hello Soldiers !

I'm planning to build an Handwired planck and a 60% Custom with GON pcb. I've browsed some soldering stations available here in EU, and I've choosed two model that are near 100€.

One is a Hakko FX888D with digital regulation that comes with a FX-8801 with type B tip at 100€ (16€ ship)
And the other one is a Yihua 939D+ that comes with a 1 mm tip (no more description in this german amazon page) at 80€ (free ship)

Wich one should I choose ? Since the Hakko is a bit pricy, would it worth it over the Yihua.

TL;DR : Hakko FX888D vs Yihua 939d+

In advance: Thank you ! and Sorry for having poor english

[lunas]

Looks like I need to go through and update some of the soldering iron links, specifically for edsyn.  Also, I think they've stopped offering the budget special I had up so if we want to start a discussion here for the next day or so about budget level irons/stations until I get everything checked out again, I'd be up for that.

Not exactly what you asked, but with the number of boards coming out with SMD parts, I'd be interested in learning more about budget hot air solutions.

I haven't tried it yet but I've seen youtube videos with people using solder paste and a heat gun like this (Amazon). Seems cheaper and easier than a full toaster oven mod.

[Ephemeral]

As someone who is new to the DIY aspect of this hobby, this is really helpful. Bookmarked, I have some buying to do. 

[henz]

Hello Soldiers !

I'm planning to build an Handwired planck and a 60% Custom with GON pcb. I've browsed some soldering stations available here in EU, and I've choosed two model that are near 100€.

One is a Hakko FX888D with digital regulation that comes with a FX-8801 with type B tip at 100€ (16€ ship)
And the other one is a Yihua 939D+ that comes with a 1 mm tip (no more description in this german amazon page) at 80€ (free ship)

Wich one should I choose ? Since the Hakko is a bit pricy, would it worth it over the Yihua.

TL;DR : Hakko FX888D vs Yihua 939d+

In advance: Thank you ! and Sorry for having poor english

I bought a nice Weller station, you should get something nice like a Weller, Metcal/OKI or ersa.

[lootbag]

I recently recommended the Aoyue 2703A+ to Steezus, as he wanted something with hot air and a desoldering pump. I believe that is the station WFD used for rework. Not exactly a "budget" solution, but it's in the same range as getting a Hakko FX-888D plus an FR300 for desoldering.

I'm really liking it so far.

The desoldering gun needs some lubrication when you first get it otherwise the chamber can get clogged. It's pretty good at desoldering however if somebody fills the pin hole up with solder and runs it all the way down then sometimes it doesn't suck it all up. That's just usually when I refill it with solder and use a hand pump to get the rest.

My favorite part is the soldering pen with the attached fume extractor, saves a lot of brain cells.

I haven't got around to using the hot air gun yet but overall I like the system as a whole.

My Hakko 888D is in Canada and I have no soldering iron here in Hong Kong.
Looking to pick up a budget oriented station with soldering and desoldering at the minimum.
Need an iron to assemble my incoming boards and desoldering gun to make modifications to my Duck Viper (possibly swapping all the LEDs, switches and replacing some resistors).

I found the 2703A+ locally but it is out of stock: http://toolboom.com/en/Lead-Free-Hot-Air-Rework-Station-AOYUE-2703A-plus.php
They recommended the 2702A+ which basically doesn't allow me to use multiple functions at the same time: http://toolboom.com/en/Lead-Free-Hot-Air-Soldering-Station-AOYUE-2702A-plus-220-V.php
I need 220-240V.

But now I am leaning towards the 701A++: http://toolboom.com/en/Desoldering-Station-AOYUE-701A-plus-plus.php
Soldering iron and desoldering gun 2 in 1 and aiming to buy a hot air gun separately.
Reason is, I do not see myself using the hot air gun very much... unless I get serious about soldering/desoldering diodes and resistors.
Also, I think it is better to have the hot air gun on its own so I can use it in conjunction with soldering iron/desoldering gun.

so... 2702A+ or 701A++ (and add hot air gun separately)?

Or... just buy another FX-888D and this Goot desoldering gun: http://toolboom.com/en/Desoldering-Gun-Goot-TP-100.php?
I think Goot is very reliable brand but not sure about acquiring replacement/consumable parts for the desoldering gun.
It looks very similar to the Hakko FR-300 too.

Any suggestions would be great!

[Kalp1]

Hello Soldiers !

I'm planning to build an Handwired planck and a 60% Custom with GON pcb. I've browsed some soldering stations available here in EU, and I've choosed two model that are near 100€.

One is a Hakko FX888D with digital regulation that comes with a FX-8801 with type B tip at 100€ (16€ ship)
And the other one is a Yihua 939D+ that comes with a 1 mm tip (no more description in this german amazon page) at 80€ (free ship)

Wich one should I choose ? Since the Hakko is a bit pricy, would it worth it over the Yihua.

TL;DR : Hakko FX888D vs Yihua 939d+

In advance: Thank you ! and Sorry for having poor english

I bought a nice Weller station, you should get something nice like a Weller, Metcal/OKI or ersa.

These stations are really too much expensive, surely they would suit my use, but I think they are a bit overkill.

Finally, i'll go for an unregulated solder by Antex.

[Blaise170]

so... 2702A+ or 701A++ (and add hot air gun separately)?

I have the 701A++ and it is perfect for me. It has replaced my Hakko FX-888D since I don't really need two different digital stations. I've never had use for a hot air gun myself.

These stations are really too much expensive, surely they would suit my use, but I think they are a bit overkill.

Finally, i'll go for an unregulated solder by Antex.

I've learned by experience not to buy a cheap soldering iron. It will frustrate you to the point of not wanting to continue. Be willing to at least get a low-end Weller, Hakko, Metcal, Pace, or Aoyue. My Hakko FX-888D was great and I've never heard of Yihua so I'd get the Hakko myself. You will have a much easier time of finding replacement parts as well.

[lootbag]

so... 2702A+ or 701A++ (and add hot air gun separately)?

I have the 701A++ and it is perfect for me. It has replaced my Hakko FX-888D since I don't really need two different digital stations. I've never had use for a hot air gun myself.

Good to hear some positive feedback about the 701A++.
Almost certain that I will go with this option.
I'm used to Hakko but I doubt I can get a 888D and FR300 for anywhere near the price of the Aoyue.