Hot air rework option/alternative question

[Nightmare4u2c]

Ok another hot air rework slash heat gun question. There is heat guns with more control over heat and air flow available and don't have the safety issues that come with the China stations. Question is how much more control do you need outside of different tip sizes? Or is it a comfort issue?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-500-Watt-Professional-LCD-Heat-Gun/50157920

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-Furno-750-Heat-Gun-0503064/206723944

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Variable-Temperature-Heat-Gun-with-LED-Digital-Display-8988-20/100609355

[Nusa]

Those are all intended for paint stripping and general handyman type applications. They're not suited for pcb rework, although people have occasionally tried to use them that way out of ignorance, desperation, or as a joke (most videos are in the last category...they only do as well as they do because they're already experts).

You need stable temperature control, air flow control, and an appropriate nozzle for the task. Your general purpose nozzle is probably going to be smaller than your little finger.

[Electro Detective]

There are variable control heat guns available for paint stripping and heat shrinking, and nuking garden weeds

I have a Black And Decker model, and quite confident it would perform ok with a nozzle addon come Jerry Rig mod to direct the heat where it needs to go on a PCB.

Yes, it's not as good/accurate as my proper dial up temp controlled thingie, but hey, whatever gets the job done if short on tools... assuming you want to get paid 

[AndyC_772]

I've had good results reflowing larger components with a Steinel HG 2310 LCD. Crucially, it has highly controllable air flow and temperature, which a cheap paint stripper won't.

It'll still blow small parts across the PCB, but for reflowing components like D2PAK, it's not a bad option IMHO.

[Nightmare4u2c]

I've had good results reflowing larger components with a Steinel HG 2310 LCD. Crucially, it has highly controllable air flow and temperature, which a cheap paint stripper won't.

It'll still blow small parts across the PCB, but for reflowing components like D2PAK, it's not a bad option IMHO.

Ok so there's a good point the one you referenced appears to have a thermocouple built in to maintain temp. Which I don't think the paint stripper versions have.

Ultimately I'm looking for the best bang for your buck setup like everyone else. I know you can make things do what you need in a pinch. I've thought of the China hot air systems, but, not looking to add to my project list either.