# Electronics - Hot Air Rework Station



# Manual(s)

*Manuals and other reference materials from the manufacturer or other sources.*

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk-model%3A-x-tronic-4040">- <div class="li">Model: X-Tronic 4040 <span class="search_hit">Hot</span> <span class="search_hit">Air</span> Rework Station</div>
- <div class="li">Manufacturer: [X-Tronic](https://xtronicusa.com/ "https://xtronicusa.com/")</div>
- <div class="li">Documentation: Obsolete, [link to 4040 Pro-X Manual](https://xtronicusa.com/support/manuals/11-x-tronic-4040-pro-x-instructions/file "https://xtronicusa.com/support/manuals/11-x-tronic-4040-pro-x-instructions/file")</div>

</div>

# Member Notes



# Resources

*Where to obtain materials, consumables, and tooling.*

# Tool Tutorial

(Link to PDF Tool Tutorial)

# Prerequisites

Electronics Area Clearance

# Warnings

⚠️ The <span class="search_hit">air</span> coming out of the rework station is <span class="search_hit">hot</span> enough to burn and to catch things on fire always be mindful in where the <span class="search_hit">air</span> it’s making is going.

⚠️ Solder may contain Lead, Always use proper ventilation or fume extraction when working with the soldering equipment. Flux vapors can also be irritating to people.

🚫Do not leave the rework station plugged in when not in use.

# Tool Anatomy

[![](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/_media/tools/electronics_hot_air_rework1.png?w=600&tok=31d135)](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/_detail/tools/electronics_hot_air_rework1.png?id=tools%3Aelectronics%3Ahot_air_rework "tools:electronics_hot_air_rework1.png")

## Soldering Safety Guidelines

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk--1">  
</div>### General Soldering Safety

&lt;ol style=“list-style-type: decimal;”&gt;

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-never-touch-the-nozz">- <div class="li">Never touch the nozzle end of the rework wand.</div>
- <div class="li">Hold wires to be heated with tweezers or clamps.</div>
- <div class="li">Always return the rework wand to it’s stand when not in use. Never put it down on your workbench. Be sure that the stand is weighted enough or attached to your work table so that it doesn’t topple over if you brush against the cord.</div>
- <div class="li">**Turn the unit off or unplug it when not in use.** </div>
- <div class="li">Different boards and solders need different temperatures don’t start out too <span class="search_hit">hot</span></div>
- <div class="li">Give any soldered surface a minute or two to cool down before you touch it.</div>

</div>&lt;/ol&gt;

### Work Safely with Solder, Flux, and Cleaners

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-wear-eye-protection.">1. <div class="li">Wear eye protection. Solder can “spit” (an <span class="search_hit">air</span> pocket or impurity can pop as you heat the solder and send bits of solder flying).</div>
2. <div class="li">Use lead free solder.</div>
3. <div class="li">Keep cleaning solvents in dispensing bottle to reduce inhalation hazards.</div>
4. <div class="li">Always wash your hands with soap and water after soldering.</div>
5. <div class="li">Read and understand the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all materials before beginning work (e.g., http://jr.chemwatch.net/chemwatch.web/account/login).</div>

</div>### Dangers of Lead Exposure

Lead [(http:%%//%%www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/](http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/ "http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/")) on your skin can be ingested and lead fumes can be given off during soldering. Other metal (https://[www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/index.html](http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/index.html "http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/metalsheavy/index.html")) fumes can also be hazardous. Lead can have serious chronic health effects, such as reproductive problems, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain.

### Avoid Toxic Fumes

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-work-in-a-well%E2%80%90venti">1. <div class="li">Work in a well‐ventilated area, to prevent the mildly caustic and toxic fumes from building up and causing eye or throat irritation.. The smoke formed is mostly from the flux which can be irritating, a sensitizer and aggravates asthma. Avoid breathing it by keeping your head to the side of, not above, your work.</div>
2. <div class="li">A benchtop fume extractor may be necessary to remove harmful fumes caused by solder and flux from the soldering workstation by filtering the <span class="search_hit">air</span>. If the lab is equipped with a snorkel fume extractor, always use it when soldering.</div>

</div>### Reduce Risk From Electricity

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-always-use-a-grounde">1. <div class="li">Always use a grounded outlet and grounding prong to reduce the risk of electrical damage if a short circuit occurs in the equipment.</div>
2. <div class="li">Prevent damage to electrical cords during soldering. Keep them away from where the nozzle is pointed.</div>
3. <div class="li">Never use on a live circuit (one that is energized).</div>

</div>### Fire Prevention

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-work-on-a-fire%E2%80%90proof">1. <div class="li">Work on a fire‐proof or nonflammable surface that is not easily ignited.</div>
2. <div class="li">Never place a the wand on your work surface: you could start a fire. Never leave flammable items (such as paper) near your rework station.</div>
3. <div class="li">Wear nonflammable or 100% cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs to help prevent burns.</div>
4. <div class="li">Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.</div>

</div>### First Aid

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-immediately-cool-the">1. <div class="li">Immediately cool the affected area under cold water for 15 minutes.</div>
2. <div class="li">Do not apply any creams or ointments. Cover with a band‐aid.</div>
3. <div class="li">Seek medical attention if the burn covers an area bigger than 3 inches across.</div>

</div>### Waste

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-discard-lead-and-sil">1. <div class="li">Discard lead and silver solder and dross in a container with a lid.</div>
2. <div class="li">Label the container: “Lead (Silver) Solder Waste for Recycling”.</div>
3. <div class="li">Used solder sponges and contaminated rags must be disposed of as hazardous waste.</div>
4. <div class="li">Keep a lid on waste solder containers when not adding or removing material.</div>

</div># Tool Care

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk--2">  
</div>## Inspection

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk-ensure-that-the-cabl">- <div class="li">Ensure that the cables are in good shape and the insulation is not broken or fraying.</div>
- <div class="li">Ensure your workspace is clear from debris and clutter.</div>
- <div class="li">Ensure that the nozzle is fastened securely.</div>

</div>## Cleaning

Wipe down the work area with a damp cloth and dispose of all scraps.

**Maintenance Requests**  
  
If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the tool not working properly

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk-update-the-physical-">- <div class="li">Update the physical Maintenance Tag at the machine  
    </div>

</div>🟢Green can be used without issue  
🟡Yellow can be used with caution  
⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk-record-issues-at-pro">- <div class="li">Record issues at [protohaven.org/maintenance](https://protohaven.org/maintenance "https://protohaven.org/maintenance"). This notifies our staff and volunteer maintenance crew of any issues.</div>

</div># Recommended Procedure

[Watch this video on using a <span class="search_hit">hot</span> <span class="search_hit">air</span> rework station](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D0oTGeheBA "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D0oTGeheBA")

### Nozzle Selection

You will want to select a nozzle that directs the <span class="search_hit">air</span> to where you need it.