Aoyue 2702 vs 2703

[light767]

Hi there


I'm considering to buy a solder station and I have seen the Aoyue 2702 and 2703, clearly there are for hobbies purpoes and they are not professional stations but considering that I would use it very few (but still I'm pleased from all of theri features) I would like to buy one, maybe used so I can save some money.
Just for information, I would know if it's a plus to search for the 2703 instead of the 2702, it's worth bothering in searching the 2703 instead of the older versione 2702?

Thanks,

[wraper]

Both are expensive trash.

[light767]

Ahahahaha , what do you suggest?

[wizard69]

Hi there


I'm considering to buy a solder station and I have seen the Aoyue 2702 and 2703, clearly there are for hobbies purpoes and they are not professional stations but considering that I would use it very few (but still I'm pleased from all of theri features) I would like to buy one, maybe used so I can save some money.

If you are just starting out in the hobby I would suggest that you first soldering station investment be just that a quality soldering iron station without all the other garbage.   For the amount of money they are asking for that rework station you can get a really good soldering station from first rate manufactures.

Just for information, I would know if it's a plus to search for the 2703 instead of the 2702, it's worth bothering in searching the 2703 instead of the older versione 2702?

Thanks,
Huh?   You can search anyway you like.

[wizard69]

Ahahahaha , what do you suggest?

Look at models from Weller, Hakko, XTronic, OK International and others.   Units with a digital display would be ideal and frankly a compact from factor.

Generally I like to go with a compact unit for those times when working away from the bench.   Your first station should serve maximum utility at the bench and any place else you may need to use it. 

Understand though that your first soldering station will likely not be your last.   You may end up with all sorts of needs for irons, for example battery or gas powered irons are almost a requirement if you need to climb ladders or tower to fix things.   If you do a lot of repair work a desoldering station might make sense.    Get into tube chassis work or similar situation where lots of heat is needed and a high wattage iron may be needed.   The goal though for your first iron should be as much versatility as you can get out of it.

[wraper]

For hot air get Quick 861DW, it's cheaper clone from BEST or some cheaper Quick model like 957DW+. For soldering you could buy some inexpensive station with T12 tips, like KSGER.  Or if you can spend more, then PACE ADS200 or Ersa I-CON NANO.
If by chance you think that fume extractor in Aoyue station is a thing, then you should know that it's a piece of useless shit. It obstructs soldering iron (which sucks even by itself) and just blows fumes out of the hot air gun  .

[light767]

Ok you surely have your point, the AOYUE isn't great deal but I would buy a used one for 100 euro or little more, I really doubt that I can find even just the solder from weller or hakko for that price.
Regarding the fume estractor integrated in the solder tip, can it be removed? I already have an external fume extractor.
The nice feature would be the hot gun and the de-solder gun on the 2702.....are they horrible too?

[wraper]

Hot air uses diaphragm pump which produces fluctuating airflow which easily knocks off small components even with it's quite low airflow. It's way easier to knock off components with it's 20l/min maximum airflow setting than say 3 times higher airflow setting on Quick. Also heater element is not reliable at all.
As of desoldering gun, have not tried it but IMHO should be on par with bottom of the barrel you could get.