Recommend a Good Solder Sucker Station?

[bostonman]

I'm sure this question has been asked, but I'm thinking of buying an electric solder sucker station.

Does anyone have input on one that is 120VAC, relatively robust in appearance and quality, and filters (or any other accessories such as tips) easy to find/purchase.

I saw one in this video that looks good but I don't know how well it works:

I used one at an old job, it was a higher end model that was probably hundreds of dollars (I'd guess $500), but it would work for a few pins and get clogged. I spent more time trying to unclog it than I did using it. The result was either cutting pins for components that I didn't care about, and using solder wick for the rest of the cleaning, or just use solder wick. So ever since then, I've been turned off by them, but find myself going through lots of solder wick for a simple fourteen-pin IC on home projects.

[oPossum]

They all require frequent maintenance to work properly. Replacing filters, cleaning collection tube, and clearing clogs. With proper maintenance they work fantastic, without it they are horrible. Consider long term availability of supplies when making your purchasing decision.

Pace makes excellent stuff. Well built and works great. May be out of your price range. Hakko is also good.

[Shock]

The current desoldering handpiece from Pace is the SX-100 and there are a variety of Pace desoldering station models it works with. You are looking at about $300 for the handpiece with stand alone and about $700 all up if purchased with the ST-115 station. It's hand or foot pedal actuated and can be setup to run with minimal down time by swapping out either disposable or reusable glass traps. Secondhand models fetch good prices but occasionally you can pick up a bargain (search "pace desoldering" on Ebay).

Pace are all about reliability and spare parts. It's designed primarily for use in the manufacturing industry and has a large range of tips available which start from around $5 each when brought in packs. Pace desoldering tips are anti-clog designed and the back end of the tip sits inside the trap. So even if it was impossibly clogged by wear, swap to another tip and it's like brand new (see the video).

As an entry level desoldering handpiece the Hakko FR300 is an all in one pistol type for about $260, it has limited nozzles and is a bit more expensive to run long term. If your on a budget though I'd suggest sticking to the Hakko as a minimum and avoid being lured by Chinese brands.

[MarkF]

[BlackICE]

I have a Hakko FR-301 and it works great. But that's compared to in the past using solder wick and a spring vacuum pump. Without the Hakko some jobs were impossible or very time consuming.

[BDuonsAus]

We've used the Hakko desoldering iron in the past, but had problems with odd parts wearing out. Too costly to repair.
Currently running a DS-KIT-1 on a thermaltronics TMT-9000S station. Absolutely no complaints, works like a champ.