The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: pbj on April 28, 2018, 05:03:07 pm

Title: $35 solder sucker
Post by: pbj on April 28, 2018, 05:03:07 pm
So, you take a $22 desoldering iron with bulb sucker, pop off the sucker, slide on some extra home brew tubing, and keep it tight with a zip tie.

Then you go to Harbor Freight and get their $12 foot pedal (it’s in the sandpaper section of all places).

Then you dig some type of pump out of the trash.  I used a foam block that I whittled down and drilled a hole through as well as a prolific amount of duck tape to join the vacuum and my tubing.

Heat up solder, wiggle component leg around, step on pedal. Step off, let warm up for four seconds, repeat from another angle.  I went very slowly but am beyond pleased with my results.  I should have done this 20years ago.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: jennifer on April 28, 2018, 06:38:24 pm
Your frugal never seems to stop amazing me... That is cool. 8)
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: bperkins01 on April 28, 2018, 08:08:49 pm
Nice  :)
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: pbj on April 28, 2018, 08:21:10 pm
This is $300 tool result for $35.  To be honest, the experience actually went better than doing a similar repair with a Hakko 808.  The hole is so small on the desoldering iron that I think you could get away with a much more modest pump than I used.  After I did 30ish pins I took off the tip and cleaned the chamber but that wasn’t really necessary.

Why the hell haven’t more people done this.....chop, chop, BYOAC.

 :cheers:

Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: Titchgamer on April 28, 2018, 08:23:28 pm
Damn PBJ thats genius!
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: opt2not on April 28, 2018, 08:51:30 pm
Very nice. What board is that you were working on?
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: rave0035 on April 28, 2018, 09:07:19 pm
This is amazing.  I've needed a desoldering tool for a long time, but been hesitant to drop big bucks on the good ones.

I'll try it next month... THANKS!

Mike
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: pbj on April 28, 2018, 09:32:06 pm
Very nice. What board is that you were working on?

System 6 driver board from my Firepower.  It’s got a weird problem with one row and one column of lights not working.  I dropped in a machine pin socket and a new PIA 6801 from China.  Unfortunately that didn’t clear the issue, but I also didn’t create new ones.

With Alien Poker 100% thanks to the miracle of 3D printing, this is the only issue in my collection.  There’s a couple more suspect chips to replace and then it’s time to consider the CPU board.

Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: yotsuya on April 28, 2018, 09:57:39 pm
This is $300 tool result for $35.  To be honest, the experience actually went better than doing a similar repair with a Hakko 808.  The hole is so small on the desoldering iron that I think you could get away with a much more modest pump than I used.  After I did 30ish pins I took off the tip and cleaned the chamber but that wasn’t really necessary.

Why the hell haven’t more people done this.....chop, chop, BYOAC.

 :cheers:

Because my Hakko desoldering gun suits me much better. I applaud your jankiness, though. It suits you.
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: pbj on April 30, 2018, 09:55:25 am
The dull and uncreative have made some wise remarks about my setup being ungrounded.  So, I suppose the next step is to alligator clip a wire to the desoldering iron, and attach the other end to a nail stuck in the ground.  I wouldn't ordinarily bother but the addition of the vacuum cleaner, I suppose, makes this a greater than 0% risk.  Do what thou wilt.

 :cheers:

Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: Nephasth on April 30, 2018, 12:05:34 pm
Ungrounded? ---fudgesicle--- them.
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: pbj on April 30, 2018, 02:27:08 pm
Ungrounded? ---fudgesicle--- them.

Pretty much what my friend the electrical engineer said.  Apparently there's virtually no risk with this setup.

Do what thou wilt.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: $35 solder sucker
Post by: jennifer on April 30, 2018, 03:43:22 pm
I got all excited to make one of these, and did some research.... First just buy one, bit spendy for quality. Second the concept, Apparently temp control is a big deal in controlling heat, (and different suck tips for different projects, and maintenance seems to be a constant battle beings the solder has to go someplace,....On a budget the arrow seems to have some good reviews at around a buck and a half. Jennifer for now will probably just stick with her solder tape as it has served me well ,.... Thanks for the plans though Pbj, it is a fun idea.