Hot Air Rework Stations

[bigbeark]

I see a flood of these products hitting the market ranging from 100 to 700 dollars.

Anyone here have experience in using them? How are they used? Do they speed up recapping? Do you get a better result? What sorts of tweezers or add ons are helpful?

These often incorporate a soldering station into the rework station. Is this good or bad?

Are any of the lower-priced ones any good? I'm talking about hobbyist use, not constant all-day everyday use.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

I have a 90 dollar one, more specifically the ZD-939B. Works great, but not for recaps. For more tricky SMD stuff, or when used without a tip, for desoldering large-ish parts or reflowing.

Well, it does help in one aspect of recapping. It does great at blowing solder out of holes after i removed the caps.

[Agent24]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

Well, it does help in one aspect of recapping. It does great at blowing solder out of holes after i removed the caps.

What's your method for doing that? I should give it a try... I have a rebranded ZD-912 myself.

[Toasty]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

See this thread:

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8160

$99.00 for the CSI 825a (out of stock at the moment)

Usually they toss in a free gift of your choosing.

They have the BK4050 model on special with a fume extraction fan, or by itself for $20 less.

Toast

[bigbeark]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

SIlly question: Do these things suck, blow or do both (no puns intended!)

[Agent24]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

Some have fume extractors built in, but I think it would gunk up the fan or pump eventually. I'd rather have a separate fume extractor.

Mine just blows hot air, Although it does also kinda "suck" - the LCDs don't work properly. But it goes OK.

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

What's your method for doing that? I should give it a try... I have a rebranded ZD-912 myself.

400C, smallest or second smallest tip, air close to maximum power. Put nozzle over hole et voila.

[Agent24]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

I will have to give that a try...

You say it works good - how good? Does it work well on those with large power planes etc? Have you ever damaged a via with it?

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Hot Air Rework Stations

Since you basically send all the pressure thru that hole, the heating is localized only. And no i've never damaged a via with it... unlike what i've done with the soldering iron.