Date   : Fri, 24 Feb 1984 08:43:12-PST
From   : Bud Spurgeon <SPURGEON@SUMEX-AIM.ARPA>
Subject: Re: Desoldering techniques

I've found that for something you can carry in your toolbox, a hand-held
"solder sucker" used along with a soldering iron works about the best.
Carry along some of the "solder braid" stuff for really hard to unsolder
items, and maybe a higher temperature tip for your soldering iron to
convince the braid to work (the heavier braid really soaks up the heat).

For bench use I've found the vacuum pump based machine, specifically those
models made by Pace to be better (faster,cleaner,leaves re-usable holes
and trace) than anything else.  You must fiddle with this equipment more
though.  It works best only when kept really clean, with clean filters
and tips.  Then it works real well.
               -Bud