Author Topic: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?  (Read 350 times)

Drakon

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 412
Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« on: October 08, 2012, 04:15:30 AM »
I've been doing surface mount stuff.  For removing surface mount chips I'd like to get a good heat gun which I assume is the easiest way to remove surface mount chips safely without damaging the solder pads.  I'm wonder what heat gun people recommend and where to get it.
http://16bitgamer.forumotion.ca/

NightWolve: "I'd say ole XGay fears another relapse, hence the need for strong, daily hetero reinforcement on his desktop. ;)"

Jibbajaba: "The problem with trying to flame Regal is that it's like trying to gut-punch a really fat person."

Game-Tech.US

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 250
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2012, 05:16:12 PM »
Dave at the eevblog uses a cheapie and he seems to think it works pretty good.
BTW anyone interested in electronics should check out his youtube vids and forum.
I bought an AOYUE 909, but only because it has an adjustable DC power supply and extra soldering iron all in one. I can't remember what I paid, but to be honest I like the iron on it better than my Weller. It heats up way faster, but I haven't tracked down different tips for it - if they exist. It is a 220 volt unit so I use a step up transformer, this may be why the iron heats up faster, not sure, but they do have 110V units.
Checking ebay it looks like $200 is average and that sounds like about what I paid two years ago.
Mine came with a few different nozzles, but it uses a standard nozzle type so buying other types is easy though not really necessary for hobbyist use.

Drakon

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 412
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2012, 12:32:38 PM »
So the nozzles are important for targeting one specific area?  I bought a cheap 16$ one and it's great for heating stuff up enough to desolder.  I just have to be very careful otherwise I desolder everything in a certain area when I only want to desolder one thing.
http://16bitgamer.forumotion.ca/

NightWolve: "I'd say ole XGay fears another relapse, hence the need for strong, daily hetero reinforcement on his desktop. ;)"

Jibbajaba: "The problem with trying to flame Regal is that it's like trying to gut-punch a really fat person."

Game-Tech.US

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 250
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2012, 04:53:05 PM »
Yeah, look em up on ebay, they make crazy designs for like quad flat pack etc.
I use a fairly small maybe 1/2" tube nozzle for %99 of the work I use air for.

Drakon

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 412
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2012, 11:47:27 AM »
Thanks a lot for all the great advice!
http://16bitgamer.forumotion.ca/

NightWolve: "I'd say ole XGay fears another relapse, hence the need for strong, daily hetero reinforcement on his desktop. ;)"

Jibbajaba: "The problem with trying to flame Regal is that it's like trying to gut-punch a really fat person."


vxbinaca

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 59
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2012, 07:31:16 PM »
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290785996515


Only if you're doing speaker wire. I wouldn't use those on electronics. I'd get a FX-888 like dave says.

thesteve

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2952
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2012, 05:35:55 AM »
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290785996515


Only if you're doing speaker wire. I wouldn't use those on electronics. I'd get a FX-888 like dave says.


its all about know your tool.
dont use a heat source without practice.

turbokon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2181
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2012, 06:03:21 AM »
The atten looks like what I need. I ordered a bunch of smd caps, like the ones on the stock duo, but was having a hard time soldering them on with a soldering station.  Gonna order me one if these. Thanks for sharing. My goal is to make my repairs/mods work look stock as much as possible.
Turbo fan since 1991 after owning my first system.

Check out my website:)
www.tg16pcemods.com

thesteve

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2952
Re: Where can I get a good heat gun for removing surface mount?
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2012, 06:22:58 AM »
using general heat on aluminum is likely to damage the caps.
your best bet is to preheat the board, and use an iron on those