Dave, I'm wondering if an aluminum or glass fiber screen disc flat against the first filter would make it last longer. I saw you peel away a layer of filter material when you cleaned it, certainly a screen would stop the solder from sticking to the filter material.
Dave, I'm wondering if an aluminum or glass fiber screen disc flat against the first filter would make it last longer. I saw you peel away a layer of filter material when you cleaned it, certainly a screen would stop the solder from sticking to the filter material.
Put a small bit of steel wool in the inside/end of the spring
It will keep the filter cleaner, and make it easier to remove the cold solder from the spring, as it won't get stuck in the end.
For Weller WMD-1D & WD3000, I have many issue to clean the nozzle because the desoldering iron is curved.
For me the best is a gun (e.g. Hakko). Because the tin storage is not in your hand (don't burn your hand) and not curved (easy to clean).
Dave,
I considered the unit that you have purchased but reports of poor quality gun quality put me off.
I bought a Hakko clone desoldering gun from Circuit Specialists CSI 474A). It performs very well and the gun feels solidly made. The solder tube is held securely in place with no air leaks. I mention this because I also managed to buy a bag of 20 (yes 20) complete new guns that came from the Duratool model (same gun as yours) sold by Farnell. The whole bag cost me GBP10
I intended to use the guns as spare parts for my 474A and also to make my own desoldering gun kits. The Duratool gun is very similar to the CSI unit but the quality of the CSI guns case is far higher with a better finish and fit of all parts. The plastic used for the case is a thermoset type with resistance to melting, much like high temperature glass reinforced plastic.
After I dismantled the Duratool guns I discovered a serious design flaw in them. The spring loaded mechanism that holds the solder collection tube in place is terrible and prone to failure. You can easily dismantle your gun without risk to it. Take a look at how the little spring release 'button' works. The moulding inside the gun case is inadequate and eventually fails completely. This is why The spare guns were scrapped by Farnell. It would be a good idea to check yours to see if it has been rectified. The small release button 'side wings' also snap off with use, preventing correct operation. From your video your gun appeared to have the same poor release 'action' as my 20 guns and you will find the release button very awkward to use. As this is a regular maintenance requirement, the release mechanism should be nice and easy with a smooth action. My Circuit Specialists unit has such a gun.
Like many cheap tools, they do work, but they can have very annoying issues...the gun on your unit is such an example. For the sake of some more careful design the gun could have been so much better.
My Circuit Specialists unit has a large and powerful pump and has served me well for around 2 years now. Web page and manual download is here:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/csi474a.html
I have looked inside and it is well made. It looks to be from the Aoyue factory.
Excellent support from Circuit Specialists as well. Not bad for $94.50 !
Circuit Specialists Europe page is here:
http://www.circuitspecialists.eu/esd-safe-compact-desoldering-station-csi-474a
It costs GBP90 for us in the UK .... but I still think it value for money.
For those playing along at home, I can now see that the CSI hardware is EXACTLY the same as the BlackJack (from Solderwerks). The following comments are related to the CSI/Blackjack desolder tool:
The filter release mechanism has also jammed on me, refusing to move down far enough to release the filter. Fix - file a bit of the top of the red plastic moulding.
I find the vacuum indicator is USELESS - you can hear when the nozzle is blocked anyway - it stops hissing.
Unless the gun is run HOT, the central metal tube down the centre of the heating element (part of the tool tip in the CSI/Blackjack station) tends to block too easily and is a pain to clear.
Still, it's just made (reasonably) light work of removing six wire-ended 11 wire nixie tubes from a PCB, with no damage to the latter - phew.
The Blackjack soldering/desoldering stations can still be had for around £220 on eBay. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BK-6000-desoldering-rework-soldering-station-with-hot-air-gun-and-irons-UK-Co-/321180963337?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item4ac7e09209 I think if I was buying again, I'd push the boat out a little further (i.e. go upmarket).