shopping for a soldering station

[Nan and Sandy Sanders]

My station is a15 year old Pace. I got it because of the huge 
selection of size and shape of tips available however I really only 
use about 3 or 4 tips. (just looked and Pace prices have almost 
doubled) Get plenty of Watts in the hand piece ( mine is 90 Watts). 
My hot air pencil is OK machine and old enough that I bought it used 
at the Gathersburg hamfest. I use an old lab hot plate for pre heat. 
I like having the iron separate from the hot air because of size and 
weight. Hakko should be a good choice. I haven't used one but I have 
not heard any thing bad about them. You should be able to find a You 
tube video on about any thing you might be interested in.
I usually buy supplies from EAE Sales ( eaesales.com ) at the Dayton 
Hamfest. I got a really nice LUXO magnifier from him well worth the 
money. He also has new and used stations for sale.
Hope this helps.
      Sandy
      WB5MMB


At 10:44 AM 12/12/2022, Rob Seastrom wrote:
>If I'm shopping for a nice temperature controlled soldering station 
>(open to recommendations for things like all in one smt rework 
>stations that include vacuum desoldering, hot air, and incidentally 
>a soldering iron too) who should I be looking at besides Hakko? 
>Background:  I am gifting the very nice Weller that has served me 
>well for over a quarter century to the teenaged son of the former 
>boss who I swiped it from.  The former boss had swiped it from 
>Bellcore when he worked there.  So the circle of life 
>continues.  And I need to buy myself a new soldering station.  :) 
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