Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

[deckart]

My first post so be gentle!.I have been an avid reader of this forum for ages,it's informative,non-patronising and genuinely helpful.I have been recapping Imac G5 for the past year or so using middle ground equipment but I am now in the position to upgrade all my equipment.The topic title is what I'm interested in.Any thoughts on the desoldering/soldering ability with preferences and especially experience with any of these would be greatly appreciated!.
I live in the UK and have accounts with RS and Farnell if that helps.
Thanks,
deckart

[KeriJane]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Hi deckart.

Welcome to the Forum!

I have experience with both the Hakko 808 desoldering gun and the Hakko 936 soldering station. (as well as a multitude of cheaper tools like Weller, Velleman, etc..)

For desoldering, the 808 does very well and is probably the least expensive pump-style pro-quality desoldering tool. It will happily suck nearly all of the solder out of just about anything including multi-layer mainboards. I wrote a review on it here:
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpo...75&postcount=7

The 936 soldering station is another great Hakko tool. I haven't used this as much yet but so far it's great. It has much better heat recovery than my old Velleman cheapie. Actually, it hasn't had to "recover" yet!

One of the great things about Hakko is that replacement parts are available. Even most of the teenie-tiny ones.

So, my vote is for Hakko.

Have Fun,
Keri
The local Mac User

[Krankshaft]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Depends on how much you're willing to spend.

If you're looking for a temperature regulated soldering station I'd second Hakko.

Once you've used one you won't want to use anything else. That's how it was with me anyways.

The 936 (50 watts) is a great station you can usually find it for 80 bucks shipped. It's an all around workhorse for not much money.

If you want to go digital the Hakko FX-951 (70 Watts) all the way unfortunately it will set you back about 200 bucks plus tips which are not included at around 9-15 bucks each (they include the heating element for hot swapping).

I just purchased it a month ago and I'm very satisfied with it.

I've never had a need for desoldering equipment braid has always worked for me although like soldering using it takes practice.

[ratdude747]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

ive had good succes with the xytronic 258 iron. it may not be a station, but ithas the feature of a non digital one in a more portable and cheaper form. it may be ony 30w, but iw does the job well, as the tips are both replaceable and plentiful, not to mention cheap. it includes a mini-chisel, which both stays tinned easily and has very good heat transfer. info on it here

i bught mine at a local shop, i paid 20 bux usd. looking online, you can get one for 17 bux usd, id reccomend the sponge/stand to go with it. i fount that here

as for desoldering, i use a vellman spring poweed sucker, as i have no money for the 808.my only compaint was that i had to sand down the edges on the tube as i got cut... be sure to by the aluminum ruby colored one... its the high-quality model, it will do you fine for work. the only trces it destroyed were ones that were already peeling... i have yet to suck out a port with it. info on it here

mine only cost me 5 bux, online it was the same. look here

[deckart]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Thanks so much for the response!.I've had a look at Hakko and it looks like they are being sold from someones lock-up in sarf London.Importing them from the States wouldn't be cost efficient!.I've had a look at this: http://www.ersa.com/art-i-con2-with-...-347-2138.html
And this:http://www.conro.com/MFR-SDX_SDI.html
The DSI version with pump.
Above all considering the cost of these puppies is a bit of piece of mind.The Metcal has a built-in system that detects the heat needed rather than choosing the temp manually,not sure if anyone has tried this,but if it works,no more lifted traces due to strong arm tactics with my Weller!.
Are they worth it?.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
deckart.

[KeriJane]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Hi Deckart

Those two stations that you linked to look very nice.

"Are they worth it?"

That depends on you. If you work professionally then absolutely yes.
These expensive tools can provide you with superior results for less effort and time.
They are expensive, so you would have to do a little work to make them pay off. Not as much as you would think.

The way I look at it is:
If it saves you ONE lifted trace on an expensive board it probably just paid for itself right there.
That is, if you're the one that has to pay for the replacement board.

Good tools=

• Better Results
• Less Time Spent
• Fewer Re-works
• More Satisfaction
• Better Reputation
• Higher Tool Payments!

Have Fun,

Keri

[deckart]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Went for the Ersa kit.The stock desoldering iron tip was way too big for 0.5mm leads on a 2-2.4mm pad so was struggling a bit.Got on the phone to Blundell who supplied the kit and they sent me a couple of more suitable tips.Gratis.
Had a couple of Imac G5 boards to play around with,decided to desolder all caps and resolder new,I was blown away,suck,clean,new cap,solder,under an hour!.
What can i say,if you have the kit,know what you are doing,all the pain goes away.
Should have done this years ago!.
Let me know if you want pics!!.

[Jon B]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Hi, what size tip are you using for the imac recap?

[deckart]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Hello!,I use the 22mm chisel tip.

[Jon B]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Sorry I was not clear, desoldering tip. I tried my hakko 807 style and did not have much luck.

I was thinking the tip size was wrong. I just could not get it to melt.

Thanks for any info.

Jon B

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

22 mm !!!

I think he meant 2.2 mm.
Tips between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm work best for most people I think.

[deckart]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Err,yes that's what I meant!.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

Figured as much. I was just teasin'.

[stj]

Re: Hello,Ersa,Metcal or Hakko?.

http://www.rapidonline.com/ is a great place for xytronics stuff in the u.k.