I should mention that you can remove chips with this method by using a dremel and a cutting disc and carefully removing the leggs from as close to the chip as you can. The EE on the Nucore team does this. I really just prefer a desoldering station =)
Thats the way I prefer doing it.. After all, you are going to replace the chip, so its a lot easier to damage the chip than the tracks or the PCB.
I believe Jaycar are going to stock a new desoldering station in the new year.