Hakko FR-301 alternatives?

[jonpaul]

Hello all, this old EE has used solder wick and various spring loaded solder suckers, all are slow, and damage delicate PCBs. Due to maintaince, cost and bench space I never got a rework station like the Pace.

Now am restoring a number of vintage TEK 2465/7B and 7000 plugins, and easily unsoldering components and ICs without board damage is a must.

Seems the Hakko FR-301 is highly regarded and gun style, no separate power supply/vacuum. (need USA 120V model)

But rather costly $250-350.

Open to the Forums feedback on the Hakko, as well as lower cost alternatives.

Most work is thru hole not SMD and I might work on 3-10 jobes in a year.

MANY THANKS

Jon

[Simon]

Please do not double post.