Desoldering station

[Bushbaby]

Just a quick question - is it worth buying a decent desolder station and if so whats recommended?

Best Regards

[Nick]

Just a quick question - is it worth buying a decent desolder station and if so whats recommended?

Definitely yes.

I use a Metcal but that is OTT for domestic use (expensive and needs a separate dry air compressor).

However I also use a traditional "solder sucker" which is great...

[Bushbaby]

Yes, I do use a solder sucker all the time but have been thinking that its worth buying something with a pump on it. I do find that the solder sucker you only get one hit at time which can be a bit of a pain when the solder is difficult t remove or there is more than just for one hit at a time (its when you need an extra hand!).

Best Regards

[pamphonica]

Buy a Duratool D00672. About £85. Not cheap, but not too dear. I bought one 10 years ago. It works a treat, and is still working well.
-Jeremy

[Nick]

Yes, I do use a solder sucker all the time but have been thinking that its worth buying something with a pump on it. I do find that the solder sucker you only get one hit at time which can be a bit of a pain when the solder is difficult t remove or there is more than just for one hit at a time (its when you need an extra hand!).

Most of the higher end ones reply on the Venturi effect and thus require shop air - my Metcal needs 80psi of dry air, which, conveniently, I have.

The integrated desktop ones have an inbuilt small vacuum pump which is perfectly adequate for most use cases.

[chriswood]

Another vote for the Duratool also the added bonus that the spares are quite cheap, an element cost me £8 after several years use.

Chris

[westcliff]

The Duratool is described as being "Especially designed for lead-free soldering". Does it work well with the 60/40 stuff I tend to use?

[Bushbaby]

I use lead solder all the time....lead free is just awful.

[chriswood]

No problems at all with leaded solder, just lower the temperature slightly.

Chris

[Stockden]

I too have one of the Duratool desoldering stations and I'm very happy with it. As Chris says, spares are readily available but, although I bought some at the same time as the station itself, I've never had to use them.

Hugh