PSA: I picked a cheap hot air station over a Hakko and it's been fine for 2 years

Everyone says you need the expensive gear, but my $80 Yihua has reflowed dozens of phone boards without a hiccup. The temp is stable and the nozzles are fine. Am I just lucky or are the big brands overrated for basic shop work?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_riley21d ago

My cheap one caught fire last week.

hernandez.gavin21d ago

That's honestly terrifying. Had a power strip melt on me once, smelled like burning plastic for days. Makes you really think about where you cut corners. Glad it wasn't worse.

sanchez.julia21d ago

Ever see those melted tool pics online? You might be lucky, but I wouldn't risk it.