Soldering Station/Iron recommendation....

[Dave Frederickson]

(07-12-2015 06:34 AM)Tugdual Wrote:  Not sure if hot air is a replacement for an iron or a complementary tool.

Hot air is typically used for de-soldering and the iron for soldering. Use of hot air requires a nozzle that precisely fits the device being removed to concentrate the air flow. Usually this method is too expensive for the hobbyist.

When de-soldering it's important to remove the solder as quickly as possible to minimize heating of the board. Too much heat will cause traces to delaminate. Vacuum de-soldering tools, like a squeeze bulb or Soldapullt are preferable to solder braid, especially with through-hole components.

I have a Weller WESD51.

Dave