Forum / Electronics & Board Repair
Hot air station recommendations under $150 for occasional connector work
@solderpunk
Oct 14, 2026 · 1.1k views
Mostly USB-C ports and the odd QFN. Not a daily driver. Quick 861DW clones? Something else?
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2 replies
I have the 858D clone and it is... fine. Airflow control is coarse. If you can stretch to the 861DW-style with a real pump, the difference in control is big for small connectors.
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Went with the 861DW. Worth it. Also bought a $12 preheater plate and that mattered more than I expected for multilayer boards.
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