Rework station recommendations?

Question

We're looking for a decent hot air SMD rework station to help us fix up our prototypes. In the past, I've used one of the low-end Aoyue models, and found it lacking (the interface had problems, and the air pump got gummed up after a while). What should I be looking for in a rework station? Any model recommendations?

None of the questions (so far) seem to actually answer the question: "What [features] should I look for?" A good answer to this is at http://electronics.stackexchange.com/a/57258/2028 — JYelton, Aug 05 '13 at 07:03

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:49

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I'll put a vote in for the Metcal (now Oki) HCT-900 Its basically the same price as the Hakko units but has a much better selection of tips, specifically for QFP/BQFP packages.

That being said, probably the best thing you can buy to ease rework is a convection pre-heater, if your not using one already.

answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:49

Mark

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I hadn't considered a pre-heater, actually. I'll check it out. – phooky Mar 29 '11 at 19:49

Adam Lawrence · Answer 2 · 2011-03-28T16:55:26.283

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I use the Hakko 851 station at my workbench and have had good success with it. I find that I can deal with chip resistors / capacitors and small ICs (SOICs, MSOPs) easily with it.

edited Mar 28 '11 at 16:55

answered Mar 28 '11 at 16:47

Adam Lawrence

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Your link doesn't work... – BG100 Mar 28 '11 at 16:52
Works on my PC. I'll relink to the datasheet (no tracking stuff in the URL) – Adam Lawrence Mar 28 '11 at 16:55
Is it behind a login page? I get a 403 forbidden error. – BG100 Mar 28 '11 at 16:58
@BG100 Works for me. – AndrejaKo Mar 28 '11 at 17:58
The link in the answer is to the PDF manual. I think a [link to the manufacturer product page](http://www.hakkousa.com/detail.asp?CID=51&PID=1051&Page=1) is more appropriate. – JYelton Aug 05 '13 at 07:00

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:34

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I would buy mid-top end Aoyue again ;-) At least you can buy 5 of them for the price of Hakko ;-)

Personally I use KADA 858D (even cheaper Aoyue clone) and it's perfect.

answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:34

BarsMonster

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score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:37

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I use an Aoyue 968. Cheap and has a few issues, but for its price there isn't going to be too much to complain about. Temperature controlled soldering iron, temperature controlled hot air (with adjustable flow rate) and fume extractor.

answered Mar 28 '11 at 17:37

Thomas O

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Rework station recommendations?

4 Answers4