I spent most of my electronics life being content with non-descript soldering irons and bulb-style desoldering guns. But on my last recapping project (a transmission densitometer for my darkroom), I pulled up too many traces from the circuit board and decided there had to be a better way. I was turned off by the price of professional soldering equipment, but then came across the Aoyue 8800 Desoldering Gun; and with it, the 968A+ soldering station.
I bought both units. I haven't yet used the Desoldering Gun (but soon will), and the 968A+ I received this week and put it through its paces. What a revelation! While I've not yet attempted SMD soldering, the machine looks quite capable. But it is the soldering iron I'm raving about! It comes with ten different tips; in conical, beveled, and chiseled, and in differing sizes down to (I think) 0.5-mm. For the first time I was soldering with a precision instrument, having the perfect tip for the job, and being able to precisely set the tip's temperature so that I could obtain a great solder joint without risking overheating the board or component. I can only describe the experience in superlatives, such as being a master mechanic who now has a shop full of precision tools instead trying to drive a screw with a hammer. Or like the late Ansel Adams' description of the "fine print:" There is a sense of satisfaction and completeness looking at it, whereas with all other prints there is a nagging sense of lack. Using the 968A+'s soldering iron gave me a sense of completeness and satisfaction to my work I never had before.
Aoyue makes 30 different tips that fits this machine. I'll definitely be purchasing those. They also sell replacement heating elements for both the hot air gun and the soldering iron. I'll be purchasing extra of those as well.
Aoyue also makes "soldering tweezers" that fits this unit. While primarily for SMD work, because of my lack of experience I don't know how useful they would be, but I'll probably be purchasing them as well.
Finally, my electronics-repair tools and 8800 Desoldering Gun come with carrying cases. The 968A+ does not. Therefore, I will be purchasing a sturdy camera case large enough to securely pack the entire system (including extra tips and the tweezers) so that nothing gets lost when it's not in use, as well as to conveniently take it to our amateur-radio club when we have "kit / antenna builds." I'm currently looking at the Xit XTHC60, which is appropriately sized to fit this soldering station.
Xit XTHC60 Large Hard Photographic Equipment Case with Carrying Handle and Wheels (Black)
In summary, I enthusiastically recommend the Aoyue 968A+. This is one of those tools where you wonder how you ever got along without it. My only regret is that I didn't purchase it sooner!
| Included Components | TY-98 Brass Coil Tip Cleaner, Spare Heating Element for Iron, User Manual, Power Cord, 10 Soldering tips(1 installed in the iron), Vacuum Pickup Tool and 3 Suction cups, Aoyue 968A+ Station with Hot Air and Soldering Iron, IC Popper, 5 SMD Nozzles, Spare Heating Element for Hot Air |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Aoyue |
| Part Number | INT968A+ |
| Item Weight | 11 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 7 x 4 inches |
| Item model number | Aoyue |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Rework Station |
| Material | tile, iron, sponge, brass, metal |
| Power Source | ac |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year |
