Help needed for select a SOLDERING STATION under $70 for SMD SOLDERING

[YaSaRa_N]

Hi,

i am an electronic undergraduate from Sri Lanka. I used to do all the through-hole soldering (very few smds with wide pin pitch) through a regular
30W soldering iron.(Chinese knock-off of goot KS-30R).

I am currently working on a University project which will require to solder lots of  SMD parts including a LQFP-64 package (stm32 processer). so i am looking
forward to buy a temperature controllable  soldering station below $70 but i select a one because of my lack of experience. (I have never used a soldering station before.)

with your experience, what would be the best soldering station for me. it would be better if it has a hot air gun as well but it is not essential. I am mostly looking in AMAZON because one of my friends whose live in USA is going to buy it and bring it to when he comes to Sri Lanka. (so lesser the weight the better)

Thank you in advance. 

[Ross Robotics]

I will probably get bashed for recommending this, but not everyone can afford top of the line equipment.

I have a GQ 5200.  I've this for a little over 5 years has never had any issues.  The first 3 years I was using it 2-3hr a day.  I would recommend this one but as always, YMMV.  Maybe I got a good one out of the thousands sold.

[JustMeHere]

If you're going SMD get a rework station.

[JohnPen]

I bought a WEP 862D from ebay over 2 years ago. It is similar to the many rebadged versions of cheap soldering stations on ebay see link below.  It has had a couple of problems but both easily solved.   

1. The soldering iron heating element failed after a year but I replaced it with new one from ebay.  You do need another iron to do it though .  It could happen to any soldering station of course.

2. The fuse holder on the back of the unit fell apart, not sure why, but it was easily replaced.

Otherwise it has been very reliable especially considering it's price and heavy use.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-in-1-YIHUA-862D-230V-Rework-Soldering-Station-Hot-Air-Gun-Welder-Desoldering/112714432653?epid=21012139057&hash=item1a3e4dc08d:g:G5EAAOSwVq9crGRZ

[AE7OO]

Hi,
I'm going to recommend the same station I have.  The Circuit Specialist CSI8786D for $68.
https://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi8786d_digital_hot_air_rework_station_with_soldering_iron.html

Yes it's clone, but after taking it apart(after hearing horror stories), it looks like they enforce a level of quality control over the OEM to say the least.   They give you a warranty and they are located here in the US(Actually about 6 miles from me in Mesa,AZ, I picked up mine in person).
I've been using mine now for over a year a couple of times a day and never a problem.  The iron is on, but on standby about 8 - 10 hours a day and I've only had to replace one tip.

I have no relationship with CSI, I just like the fact I've gotten good deals, plus outstanding customer service.