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?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_riley12d ago

@hernandez.gavin is right to be careful. What model did you have that caught fire? Was it one of the no-name Amazon ones or something like a Yihua? I've seen a few videos where those cheap stations just start smoking during a normal reflow.

the_riley1mo ago

My cheap one caught fire last week.

hernandez.gavin1mo 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.julia1mo ago

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