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)

 

[zzzzz]

Good thread. Learned a lot! Gonna make moves on either the FR301 or Goot, but probably the Hakko since parts are available everywhere.

Pro tip: if you live near a Micro Center store, they usually stock Hakko products and parts. The one near me does, at least. Very large DIY electronics selection has saved me on more than one occasion (and somehow usually cheaper than Jeff Bezos Prime)

 

[inkster]

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

Try the gootwick...it's in a different league

 

[inkster]

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

Agreed, has to be ordered from japan in my experience.

 

[inkster]

The desoldering equipment I've used(and owned) in the past has required quite a lot of maintenance to keep in good operating condition.
I still use one of my rigs for tearing down boards I'm harvesting parts from but when working on old vintage PCB's from Neve, api, Ampex etc etc I only use gootwick to avoid damaging traces.