>>Is hot air capability mostly a desoldering aid?
> Essentially Yes.

Agreed. I have a few soldering irons and a hot-air station. I use the
hot-air only for desoldering. I bought it specifically for that purpose.


>>Is it something I actually need to do limited work with
>>SMDs?

If limited does not include de-soldering you don't need it. If it
includes de-soldering anything with more than 3 leads you definitely
need it. But you might get by with a paint stripper and an improvised
nozzle.

Wouter van Ooijen

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Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

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