[Elecraft] Weller WTCPT/WTCPK desoldering vacuum

[Tony Fegan VE3QF]

	I believe that many of us are using these Weller soldering
stations or similar ones with bulb type de-soldering attachments. I
really like mine but am slightly disappointed with the de-soldering
vacuum bulb. Squeezing the bulb cools the element and one has to wait a
few seconds for the tip temperature to recover before use. If the first
de-soldering try does not work then the process has to be repeated. The
vacuum action has a relatively slow build up which also cools the joint
prematurely.

	My question is; has anybody tried to use a motorized vacuum
pump, either mounted on the tool, or separate via a tube, and how would
the vacuum be switched on and off? Also, what suitable small vacuum
motors are available? I believe that the Hakko vacuum motor sells for
about $75 which is a bit pricey and I am not sure that it is adaptable. 

	Air is free. Lack of air (a vacuum) costs money! I guess you
could call it shipping charges! Would that be "air" freight?

		73

			Tony Fegan  VE3QF