We also have a Hakko 850 and it has served us quit long in R+D.
But it takes me quite some time to rework a QFN24 IC. It is quite
easy to remove it but soldering it is a bit challenging. I could 
go downstairs (the production floor) and ask the girls to help me 
or let it go through to the reflow oven but finally decided to 
do it by myself. :) Anyway, it is a learning process. I've seen
people doing much challenging manual soldering.

For the SMD parts, we also have customized adapter PCB boards. We use
them so often that we have a big PCB serves as SMD to DIL converter.
It contains common footprint of SMD components (from 0402 to SOT23
to those SOIC and SSOP parts, not yet containing QFNs though).

We even have our own customized prototype boards. If you order them 
in large quantity, it is cheaper than ordering through RS or Farnell.

Anything better than Hakko?

Xiaofan

>Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 10:02:05 -0700
>From: "picaccount" <piclistsrv@cableone.net>
>
>I've got a Hakko 850 and a knock off, as well as used this circuit
>specialists unit.  They all work pretty decently.  No more chip quik for
me!
>
>http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/8012
>
>It's a nice unit for the price. 
>-Dal 


>Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:20:30 -0200
>From: Gerhard Fiedler <lists@connectionbrazil.com>
>
>I'm looking into buying a hot air rework station. I've never worked with
>one, but it seems that this might make exchanging SMD parts almost as easy
>as if they were socketed.
>
>Has anybody experience with those stations? Are my expectations close to
>reality?
>
>Gerhard
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