Hakko 703 rework station

[JPM_AEIC]

I have the opportunity to buy a brand new Hakko 703 rework station. This would be my first big purchase, so I’m looking for more experienced replies as to 1) The quality of this unit, especially the desoldering vacuum pump. And 2) The difficulties of finding replacement parts for a discontinued product. Also, any other advice for a budding electronics engineer would be most welcome. Thanks!


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[helius]

It uses the same consumables/parts as the 928 and 472, which are either still available or compatible with newer parts. This generation of Hakko desoldering station used two types of vacuum source: a double-cylinder pump, and an air ejector. The air ejector requires a compressed air supply, while the pumps are electric. They have somewhat better vacuum performance compared with the hand-held 808/FR300 tools.
You can use the newer N50 series vacuum tips with the 807 desoldering iron; the original A100x are not being manufactured anymore.
The soldering iron and tips are widely cloned now, and available from both Hakko, and domestic and overseas second sources.