Wish I had of found this post earlier. I have both a Aoyue and a Hakko. I first bought the Aoyue trying to save some dollars. Found it OK but not great. I've since bought a genuine Hakko and they are like chalk and cheese. Hakko is the only way to go, this is one product that you get what you pay for.
Get one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/808-5-808-KIT-P-P-808-KIT-Hakko-Desoldering-Gun-w-Pump_W0QQitemZ380086641353QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item587eede2c9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Then buy a step down transformer. Can't go wrong.
I contacted the Hakko distributors in Australia, asking for price and availability. "Testools" did not even bother responding to at least two emails, and the other mob "computronics" wanted $1200 + GST + shipping - and there was a two month wait. Again - They never bothered to respond AFTER the two months.
As I hobbyist, I'm pleased with the results - "so far". It just scares me to think that if Hakko "Dealers" don't even want to sell me product - imagine the problem I would have if I needed spares or warranty repairs ?
If this unit lasts me 3 years - it will have paid for itself many times over..
Yep agree Hakko and parts for them here in OZ are way too expensive. That's why I bought O/S so much cheaper.
Should point out that before I bought the Hakko I had bought 2 versions of the Aoyue. The same one as you and the hand gun model which is a copy of the Hakko 808. Found with both models that the heating elements just don't last and the Hakko heating element will not fit them. I've had my Hakko for 2yrs now, use it every day and have never had a problem with it. Hakko tips and filters will fit the Aoyue, but that's as close as they get.
