Do you by chance have the Hakko part numbers you used? What does the Hakko tip adapter look like?
- Filter in the base - A1009 - Replaced by A1611
- Filter in the gun - A1033
- Filter pipe assembly (tube, spring, seal) - B2073 - Replaced by B3756
- Spring filter separately - A1030
- Tips - A1002 - 0.8mm /1003 - 1.0mm /1007 - 1.6mm
Adapter :
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/aoyue-desoldering-tips/msg534046/#msg534046I originally bought all those components at RS, but they only carry the two filters and the tips now. The filter pipe wasn't a huge upgrade, although the Hakko one is made of a nicer material, finished better (and consequently seals better on both ends). The Hakko springs are much better though. Luckily I bought a pack of 10 along with the new filter pipe.
After a quick search, I see the filter pipe (with original part number) and spring filters are available at Element14.
The biggest improvements were :
- Re-sealing the pump. The Aoyue plastic moulding sealing surfaces are nasty, and the gasket doesn't seal all that well.
- New filters and an O-ring on the filter holder in the base (it didn't come with one at all).
- Removing / plugging the vacuum indicator in the handle.
- Tips. The Hakko tips are so much nicer than the Aoyue ones it's just not funny. I have zero issues paying $25 per tip for the improvement.
I always wanted to try and fit the genuine Hakko heating element to remove the need for the tip adapter, but never quite got around to looking into it. The Aouye heater is a 4 wire (heat/sensor) the Hakko is a 2 wire, so a completely different control methodology.
I'd much rather have bought a second hand Hakko unit, but in Aus they just don't come up that often and if they do people are asking silly prices. This cost me about $150 new + ~$150 worth of Hakko parts plus time. I never object to having to spend money if it means I can justify time in front of the lathe.