I just got the Aoyue 968 about 2 weeks ago. I don't have any experience with other units to
compare to. I am currently assembling my 995x board which has several several QFN
package IC's, some ssop packages with .65 mm pin spacing, and an AD9954 with .5mm
spacing.
I used the temperature controlled soldering iron for most of it. I bought the smallest tip they
offered. It is small enough I can solder individual pins on the 9954 under a microscope. It is
the first temp. controlled iron I've used and is very nice.
I also ordered the vacuum pick-up attachment. I tried it, but found that it would not release
the part when I uncovered the hole on the side. I had to knock the part off of the tool or turn
off the vacuum. This makes it pretty much useless for placing parts on the board.
I used the hot air and solder paste on a smd oscillator and a QFN device. With the air set at
250 deg. C and the air flow just above minimum, it had no trouble melting the soldering
paste.
Dave - WB6DHW
<
http://wb6dhw.com>
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