On Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:56:39 GMT, Doug White
wrote:

I'm willing to spend a couple hundred bucks for a really good setup.
That probably sounds absurd to a lot of folks, but if you've ever
struggled soldering something, & then tried a Metcal, it's worth a bit of
investment.

Soldering is usually not a problem. It's unsoldering that drives me
to spend the money. If your price ceiling is about $200, you're below
the level of Hakko or Weller hot air desoldering stations, which can
cost $500 to $1000 and up with accessories. For cheap, I suggest:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/7543

This is what you get for about $200:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/products/full/9766.jpg
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9766

However, I can't claim much experience with one of these. I've played
with an older model, liked it, but have not torn it apart to see if
it's junk or quality. The availablity of nozzles, replacement parts,
and repair items is reassuring.


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558