Surface mount soldering / rework station and free multimeter

[Chuckt]

Here is the deal. Holly told people on the Parallax forum that you can get a Hot Air Rework Station and a multimeter for $99 but you have to add the code for the free meter. I don't know what the quality is but the unproven assumption is that cheaper units don't hold the temperature steady.

www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9752

www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8883

[Chuckt]

Or you can get their digital version but others say it won't beat a Hakko.

http://circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9766

[brad]

That is an absolute bargain!

Are you getting one?

[Chuckt]

If I get one, it won't be immediate because I don't do enough soldering. It may be on my Christmas list.

Two other people announced they ordered one so I will see what they have to say although it sounds to be enough to fit my needs.

I think the price of this unit will not hold beginners back so they can get involved more easily. With the surface mount 101 tutorial posted, they have almost all they need now to get started.

[sdudley]

$99.00 is an unheard of price for a hot air pencil. Where I work we use Weller's (WAD 101) and they are awesome. They are also over $500.00!

We have a real nice Hakko that sits in a cabinet (unused) because no one likes it. It doesn't get hot enough to reflow the solder like it should. It is also a very expensive unit. This is my only reservation about purchasing an inexpensive iron. My experience has been that you usually get what you pay for.

I read the specs on the iron you posted and it compares nicely against the Weller so it might be a great little iron. I sure wish you could test drive these things before purchasing!

[Chuckt]

One user from another board bought one and got one today. He put the hot air re-work unit on high and he reported it lifted the part in 10-15 seconds. If it lasts then it is a good unit.

[sdudley]

Yes! That sounds good to me!