The Ultimate Desoldering Iron

[LambdaMikel]

I recently got a chance to test my new desoldering iron - I had to replace all the front panel switches / buttons in my Yamaha RM1x sequencer.

I cannot recommend that thing highly enough - it is incredible:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/45W-Corded-Desoldering-Iron-w-Bulb-Solder-Sucker-ECG-NTE-J-045-DS/173331862974
The desoldering is so thorough that one does not even need desoldering wick. The component literally falls out of the board by itself.

I wish I would have had this when I did my last RAM repair job. 

It is inexpensive and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This would have saved me so much trouble!!
I'll definitely use this the next time I am going to replace a CPC chip.

[LambdaMikel]

... in comparison, I had also tried this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hot-30W-220V-Electric-Vacuum-Solder-Sucker-Desoldering-Pump-Iron-Gun-E-Class/172241737794?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D58654%26meid%3Ddfbb6386336c4b2094eedb5f8600eab7%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D173331862974%26itm%3D172241737794&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

And it is complete crap. Mine didn't work at all. It did not suck the solder out; I guess the pump motor was defect -> trashcan. 

[Bryce]

This is what I use: https://www.amazon.de/Regelbare-digitale-Entl%C3%B6tstation-ZD-915-ESD/dp/B00T6FYP1A

There are expensive models available from the better known companies, but as it's a tool I rarely use (I do most desoldering with braid), I don't mind it being a cheapy and it works very well.

Bryce.

[rpalmer]

Bryce,
Mine says its a Duratech TS-1513 (must a badge engineered product to many companies).

Rpalmer

[Bryce]

It's one of those generic models that turns up under 5 or 6 different names. Which usually means that the replacement parts will be available for a long time yet.


Bryce.

[00WReX]

I also use the same one as Bryce and rpalmer.
Mine is also the Duratech TS-1513 badged version.

And like Bryce, my go to has always been braid.
But the desolder station is great for the bigger jobs.


Cheers,
Shane

[LambdaMikel]

This is what I use: https://www.amazon.de/Regelbare-digitale-Entl%C3%B6tstation-ZD-915-ESD/dp/B00T6FYP1A

There are expensive models available from the better known companies, but as it's a tool I rarely use (I do most desoldering with braid), I don't mind it being a cheapy and it works very well.

Bryce.

OK, you out-geared me. 

[00WReX]

I think you 'out-geared' us...
You are extremely happy with it, and it costs much less...you win 

Cheers,
Shane