Can someone recommend a good soldering / rework station to use for surface mount soldering?

I see the Kada 852D is a big seller on ebay. I want to spend maybe $100 give or take. I want a machine that would be good to work on a variety of general electronics including HDD PCB's.

Brian

You'll need to spend more than $100 to get something useful for your needs.

I'd like to buy a new Porsche for $1000 but . . .

Look for something like a used Hart 200a. I've bought one for as little as $75.

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I use cheap Lukey, it's chinese but works during 3 years fine.

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If you plan to use it everyday and want to have anyway anytime the spare parts, you have no choice : major brands like Metcal, Philips, Weller, Goot/Taiyo.
For me the downtime is loss of $$$ (€€€) so I can't tolerate it (downtime for me means that I can't find readily available spare parts or the tool need servicing and will not be available for 3 days).
I have these brands and have no problems either working and getting spares (nozzles/tips/compressor parts/consumables etc.) and professional quality rework is always accomplished . I have seen many disasters with chinese tools.

I am using LK (Its a chinese brand) but works well .

Well, if you do 2-3 rework per week the chinese tools are an option, you know what the problems can be. If a major problem occur, buy another one. Simple.

Well, if you do 2-3 rework per week the chinese tools are an option, you know what the problems can be. If a major problem occur, buy another one. Simple.

they are not that bad . If you use it properly you can easily use it for about a year .

What I find very important is the availability of spares and consumables HERE AND NOW. If I need a spare part for an old Weller, sure it is available. I can't say the same for cheap tools. However, the price difference is NOTICEABLE.

I dont know about italy but here spare parts for cheaper hot stations are easily available .

No, here mainly the major brands are supported.