power desolder station

[Neonkiss]

For a few years now I have wanted to have a power vacuum de-solder station for board repair.
I'm not interested in a hot air work station, as I'm sure I will not be doing any surface mounted board repairs in the future.
I will only be using it for through hole components on multi-layered boards.

Now I would like to here from members here as to what they like, dislike or otherwise any opinion as to what to consider when in the market to purchase such a station.

[Crowsen]

I would get a station you can build off of. Get the basic w/ a good iron. Then purchase the desolder iron. This way down the road you can keep buying irons to suit your needs. Most bench techs stick with the most popular brands Hakko,Tempo,exct. Usually because of all of the extras they have for their stations. I do hole through and SMD so I use a large station. It can get expensive. The pic included is basic the price is 525.00, I am sure if you shop around you can get it cheaper. I am not suggesting this unit just a basic example of what you need. I use to use a pump and solder braid,...still do. Good luck.

[Neonkiss]

Thanks, I purchased the hakko hand held unit and so far I'm very happy with it.

[KirkLasVegas]

I have a "Pace" MBT-250 series. All of the Pace units share the same tips/filters and parts/supplies are easy to find.
I had a nylon part inside mine crack (drives the vacuum pump). No big deal, had a new one in a week.

Watch Ebay for them. Factories close down and they get liquidated.
I got mine used for $275, ordered new tips/filter cartridge and filter disk/housing.
Runs like new.

Kirk