Because of Mikes' very nice video (), I decided I wanted a vacuum pick-up tool. I didn't want to spend much for a nice, foot operated unit, so I bought an Aoyue 932. At 40€ or so, could I go wrong? I haven't yet assembled a real board with it; I want to get my procedures right first. So, my first impressions:
This thing sucks. Well, that is kind of the point of the whole product, but it sucks way too much. There is a small hole on the side of the hand piece, but there is still more than enough suction at the tip to keep ICs attached. I drilled the hole much larger, but if I drill it any larger than it is now, the handle is going to break. 0805 components still don't fall off, so I really need to do the hack below. Noisy, but what did you expect from a sub 40€ unit with a pump in it? The needle is too big: even without the rubber heads, it is just about usable with 0805, I would assume problems with 0603. Doesn't matter much to me: I'm old and therefore, would have trouble handling 0603 and smaller, so I design with 0805. YMMV. Otherwise, seems to be good value and with some tweaks, very usable.
Tweaks: Yes, this needs some. For me, the angle of the tip is not good, it obstructs the view under the microscope. The tip is easy enough to bend as needed. I also filed the tip to suit the angle. It does need something to turn off the vacuum completely - a solenoid valve would be perfect, but I don't have one, at least not yet. (haven't looked yet but I don't know where to get a suitable one either). Something that I can operate with my left hand would work as well. But it definitely needs something. Ideas are welcome.