I have been using my Hardcase soldering iron and Hakko 472B desoldering station for quite a while. I do cluster repair on GM vehicles on the side and just upgraded to a Hakko FM-206 rework station. Where is a good starting temperature? Should the soldering and desoldering iron be set at same temp? Both setting on the olds ones where just straight up, the Hardcase was F and the Hakko was just numbers 1-10. I think I need to break something so I can play with this new toy!!! Thanks for any suggestions. Michael

 

solder temps depend on what solder you use, and desoldering temps depend on the work you have. hot enough to melt the solder but not to burn the traces...

 

Using 60/40 and working on speedometer circuit boards.

 

also (and really mostly) about skill.
I can crank the irons to the max and solder all day long with them without any damage.
I use Hakko too (and a weller)

Think I keep my hot air gun at 350 deg C.

 

I've got a Weller that I generally keep around 500-600 degrees F for simple boards. It could probably stand to be a little lower, but it depends on the solder and what you're soldering. I use 60/40 rosin core solder, mostly.