"Peter Hiscocks" wrote in message
...
I'm considering purchasing a hot-air soldering station to help solder SMC
boards. The Madell 8502 (for example) is a fraction of the cost of some of
the other 'big name' hot air soldering stations. Does anyone have any
experience with this brand?

The same unit may be marketed under the Sunkko label, the units look very
similar on the Web.

Any comments appreciated.

Peter
I have an 850B. Quite happy with it.

Mostly it is used during prototype stage to remove a chip or two. With a
little practice I am getting 144 pin TQFPs off boards without seriously
damaging the pads. That is to say, all the pads are still on the board!
But mostly it is used to remove smaller parts like op-amps when somebody
wants to try a different part.

Rob Young