+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.
through-hole desoldering iron/tool/station recommendations in 2024?
- Thread starter zzzzz
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Help Support GroupDIY Audio Forum:
it is indeed good stuff. just gotta keep an eye out for counterfeits!
I'm partial to Chemtronics myself, if we're talking wick...
I like the MetCal
kingwilliams
New member
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!
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!
All the Metcal I’ve seen need shop air. Is there a self contained vacuum model I missed?
They do need a small compressor. They have built in air filtration, but require a small pump/compressor.
amplexus
Well-known member
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!
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)
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)
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)
Try the gootwick...it's in a different league
Agreed, has to be ordered from japan in my experience.
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.
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.
Yep. I've found that even the good systems that I've owned have good days and bad days. On bad days, there's always a reason why they're not working up to par, but the reason can be different each time. In general, it's good practice to use the cleaning rod before you turn the unit off, every, single, time. That, and keeping the filters clean. Interesting fact: Years ago, after rebuilding the pump in my DenOn 7000, and finding a lot of condensed flux residue inside it, I started wrapping a piece of copper sheet around the solder reservoir as a heat sink to cool the gasses when they were in that chamber. I have not had to rebuild a pump since.
I got a Yihua to reswitch an SSL, and specced them for two clients doing major work on their desks, another reswitch and a recap. I’ve been happily surprised with them as well. Aside from the exceedingly loud beeper. I think I stuck something in the element to quiet mine down, but was using the one from the recap yesterday, and it was annoying. Hard to beat for the price. I have my doubts as to whether they’re good for 20 years of serious use, but they work well.
