[Boatanchors] Desoldering tools

[Ken Kaplan]

Jack,

I use all three of their desoldering tools daily in my job. The 808, 300 
and 301. I repair medium & large UPS systems (APC, Liebert, etc.) and 
Tesla car electronics. They are da bomb. For larger parts, I use them 
for resoldering too. The 808 is fine but no longer available new. We 
have two 300's at work and the heaters failed after two or three years 
of daily use. Replacement parts are available. So much better than a 
solder sucker! The 300 is a little better than the 808 and the 301 is a 
little better than the 300. I've only had the 301 for a month. It makes 
lots of heat. All three models use their own tips and tips are not 
cheap. I use a 1.6mm and a 2.3mm tip. My work is all PCB stuff but 
boatanchors are easier/safer with the Hakko. Get one - you'll love it!

Oh - for the fine or small stuff I use a hot air system. I also use a 
Weller WTCP-L. Some of the stuff I work on need a heat boost so I use a 
hot air gun to preheat the board.

37 Ken kb7rgg

On 8/15/2018 9:27 AM, Jack Antonio wrote:
> I'm looking at getting a desoldering station.
>
> I've heard very good reports on the Hakko 808,
> but which, of course, is no longer produced.
>
> It looks like Hakko's replacement is an FR-300, is it
> as good as the 808?
>
> Any other suggestions? The major need right now
> is for some solid state work, but I have heard that
> the 808 did a great job on tube radios as well.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jack Antonio
> WA7DIA
>