Worthwhile solder sucker all-in-one?

[tom66]

Cheapie thing:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/electric-de-solder-pump-96859?c=maplin&utm_source=endeca&utm_medium=endeca_search&utm_campaign=N37CH&utm_content=De-soldering+Tools

I've often found it hard to remove large hybrid modules and transistors on large heatsinks. I've got a 55W Antex iron and a 35W Aoyue iron (rubbish), but no desoldering equipment apart from using a normal hand powered solder sucker and iron separately. Does combining the two make for a better device? I doubt temperature control is necessary for most desoldering work.

[peter.mitchell]

if its anything like the manual ones, damn they get blocked often.

[nctnico]

You better get a hot air gun like the Atten 858D.

[Bored@Work]

It is an Zhongdi Model ZD-211. Zhongdi means you don't get complete crap, but you don't get first class quality either. And since it has a mains powered, unregulated heating element you have no real control over the temperature. And together with the manual pump you have limited suction capacity.

I have seen them for something like 5 Euro in the past, and recently for something like 9 Euro. Which is probably what they are really worth (more close to the 5 Euro).  For 5 or maybe even 9 Euro it might be fine to have one as a novelty item or emergency tool. But for 16 GBP (> 19 Euro)? I don't think so.

http://www.china-zhongdi.com/images/products/dpwm01/zd-211.jpg
http://www.china-zhongdi.com/dpwm01.htm (showing the wrong image for the 211)

[KD0CAC John]

In almost any case there is never just one tool does it all .
I bought a Metcal desoldering gun , very simple , uses shop air to make vacuum , making the gun smaller and no repair of vacuum pump .
A hand held metal spring powered solder sucker is hard to beat for small jobs .
Then having a stash of solder wick .
To depopulate a hole board to add parts to inventory , use a plumbers hand torch , propane and tap board on bucket

[tom66]

You better get a hot air gun like the Atten 858D.

I had an Aoyue 968 (that's the other iron, plus hot air.) It caught fire. Hot air heating element failed.

Luckily all that was damaged was the element, so I was able to replace it, but I don't really trust it any more. Especially as the soldering iron also crashes occasionally and locks up, luckily it doesn't go full power but you have to reset it... now I know the purpose of the reset button!

Anyone know of a powered, mains soldering iron that just accepts an air input? The 968 has a suction pump so I can use that to suck the solder. That would allow me to make a super cheap desoldering iron.

[KD0CAC John]

A link just to help ,

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/71/71481/c94415_metcal_stds-ds1_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ebay.com/itm/C94415-Metcal-STDS-DS1-Desoldering-Tool-w-STDC-003-Tip-MX-RM8E-Cable-/390474919551&h=470&w=591&sz=265&tbnid=sp9U28pHI0EOQM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=113&zoom=1&usg=__BjLb_cDoO-l7TRX96lA-Embi1Sc=&docid=cyGxzZpLCERR4M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=AzLTUKvbG4S7qAGC5oDwDw&ved=0CJcBEPUBMAk&dur=1665

[ptricks]

Anyone know of a powered, mains soldering iron that just accepts an air input? The 968 has a suction pump so I can use that to suck the solder. That would allow me to make a super cheap desoldering iron.

You could use one of the desoldering irons that has the bulb attachment and remove the bulb, connect your suction line instead.
http://www.amazon.com/ECG-J-045-DS-Watt-Desoldering-Iron/dp/B00068IJSG

[tom66]

A little out of my budget range... 

[vtl]

Cheapie thing:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/electric-de-solder-pump-96859?c=maplin&utm_source=endeca&utm_medium=endeca_search&utm_campaign=N37CH&utm_content=De-soldering+Tools

I've often found it hard to remove large hybrid modules and transistors on large heatsinks. I've got a 55W Antex iron and a 35W Aoyue iron (rubbish), but no desoldering equipment apart from using a normal hand powered solder sucker and iron separately. Does combining the two make for a better device? I doubt temperature control is necessary for most desoldering work.

I've got something that looks exactly like that in the link, but in blue. I bought it for $12 off ebay. Worth having I guess, the thing is a bit hit and miss, certainly better than using a solder sucker + soldering iron. If you think you're able to just suck off all the solder in one hit you're sadly mistaken. Usually takes at least 2 shots on a pin and even then youll most likely need to clean the rest off with braid.

I just think its a pain in the ass having to take it out of the cupboard and wait for the thing to heat up. I only bring it out if im desolding a big DIP device.

[mianchen]

I got mine (exactly same as photo) off eBay for £7. It work great for the first 10 hours or so until the tip/head broke.

[IanB]

Can you find this item in the UK?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062731

It's a bit slow to heat up, but once it gets going it works a treat.

I guess Tandy disappeared, right? Did they get taken over or absorbed, or are they just gone?

[TorqueRanger]

I know it's not what you asked for but here is what I use and have no problem getting stuff done ...

Solder sucker-It's pretty big

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Soldering-Sucker-/320801379333?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab1409405


Solder wick- Chemtronics 60-3-5 Solder-Wick

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Chemtronics-60-3-5-Soder-Wicks-ESD-Safe-Lead-Free-Desolder-Braid-/181048041657?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a274de0b9

[FenderBender]

I know you don't live in the US but RadioShack has a desoldering iron that is like $10USD. I don't know if there is an equivalent in the UK. But it works quite well. Can't complain.

[Wartex]

Hakko 808. Everything else in the posts above is trash, trust me.