Need some advice on IR BGA rework.

Hi all!

I'm looking to start re-balling BGA's and need some help.
I have been looking on-line and have found some IR stations for under $500, just as a general rule, is something (new) under $500 going to be no good?
I have no problem buying a used station so long as it works. Can anyone recommend a brand/model which is cheap and will do the job (ie: Re-balling 360 gpu's and larger).

Thanks in advance

 

I have experience with BGA reballs and Xbox 360 reballs. I have used both IR and Hot air stations, currently using an Aoyue 968a+, though I have never owned an IR station, I still prefer to use hot air over IR. Many say that IR is far more professional but when using multiple thermocouples I have seen that the IR station was actually pretty inconsistent with temperature and it required constant adjustment. No matter what station you have the key is the thermocouple (unless you plan on programming the profile in with a fancy station)

I haven't actually owned an IR station so I can't suggest any, but if you choose to get a far cheaper hot air station I highly recommend the 968, it has served me quite well.

 

The Aoyue 968a+ looks badass. So many features and good reviews for around 225$ shipped seems to be as good as it gets. I am going to follow this thread as this really interests me and I want to get that kind of equipment in the future.

I do not have any Reballing experience but Ive been looking into it for a while.
I have about 7 RROD 360 and a CIB Mint 60gb PS3 with Ylod. All given to me.

They are just waiting to be reballed!!
I also spotted this starter kit that seems to have everything else you need.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/150740385232?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I also have a crate-full of old but working video cards with BGA chips on them, perfect for practice! (Bought for 10$ from a scrap metal guy, No worries, no valuable rare cards in there)

 

Thanks for the info guys
what about a stand/arm for the Aoyue 968a+? And does it have a pump and can you get nozzles to make it big enough? ?
I use a HAKKO at work and it has a suction pump built into the gun, but its too small for a gpu...

 

you can use atten, a great clone of hakko!

 

EEVblog did a positive review of an Atten a few years ago (search yt). They are dirt cheap.

 

My friend have one and he told me that's great for its price

 

I know this is old but it came in google search and i wanted to correct some information

Atten, Aoyue etc; do not make BGA rework stations, they make SMD rework stations

Scotle, ACHI, The BGA Rework Machine and Honton, LY etc; make actual BGA rework machines

The difference is package size, SMT are tiny BGA is not

While you can use those cheap air stations and even cheap IR stations which cost under $300 it wont be a quality reliable repair
I know this because i started off that way 4 yrs ago and now i have a fully automated rework machine, i went larger each time and the ACHI IR PRO SC lasted the longest but i had to upgrade the heating elements to german elstein heaters which made the machine much better