through-hole desoldering iron/tool/station recommendations in 2024?

[Gold]

You cannot use the Hakko FM-2024 without the parent station, which is considerably above your budget.

+1 When looking at desoldering stations you have to make sure it doesn't operate on "shop air". Shop air means you need a separate air compressor for the vacuum. You want a self contained vacuum.

 

[zzzzz]

Gootwick Goot TAIYO Desoldering Wick Soldering Remover 2.0mm x 30m CP-20B is amazing stuff...never turn on my desoldering iron once I started using it...the larger size isn't recommended for pcb work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284436964789

it is indeed good stuff. just gotta keep an eye out for counterfeits!

 

[Khron]

Gootwick Goot TAIYO Desoldering Wick Soldering Remover 2.0mm x 30m CP-20B is amazing stuff...never turn on my desoldering iron once I started using it...the larger size isn't recommended for pcb work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284436964789

I'm partial to Chemtronics myself, if we're talking wick...

 

[13engrsapper]

I like the MetCal

 

[kingwilliams]

I have used the Yihua 948 to recap my Trident 80 and have done about 2000 caps and a number of other components with it.

I've been pretty shocked, frankly, by how good it has been.

I purchased it sometime this year, so I reckon mine is also the upgraded/updated model.

Best of luck in your search!

 

[Gold]

I like the MetCal

All the Metcal I’ve seen need shop air. Is there a self contained vacuum model I missed?

 

[13engrsapper]

They do need a small compressor. They have built in air filtration, but require a small pump/compressor.

 

[amplexus]

+1 When looking at desoldering stations you have to make sure it doesn't operate on "shop air". Shop air means you need a separate air compressor for the vacuum. You want a self contained vacuum.

That one doesn’t even just need that- it’s literally a module for the FM-203 station also and does not function as a standalone unit!

 

[13engrsapper]

The Metcal gets used here when there is a lot of the same thing needed, such as boards with multiple transformers mounted to them, or recapping several of the same units (as in this week with 4 SVT Classic bass amps in the shop at once needing recapping of all of their electrolytics)