I am considering purchasing the Hakko FR300. But I have a few questions before I make a final decision. I am employed as an electronics tech. I desolder/solder using a Hakko iron & wick (hate it). Unfortunately, company will not invest in desoldering station. I do alot of thru-hole soldering of caps. I desolder & solder about 50 to 75 electrolytic caps daily on multi-layer boards (4-5). The ground planes are esp. a pain. My concern is can the FR300 handle that of kind of a daily workload (w/proper maintenance)? I tried an Aoyue 8800 once but had problems with the heating element and the tips would frequently scratch the traces in proximity to the caps. I prefer to survey the opinion of actual users than a seller before I make a decision. Anyway what do you think based on your experience with the FR300?

Thanks for all of the info. it seems like you use your FR300 more than I will be using it. It is good to know what I am getting into. I guess I will have to order the maintenance supplies from Hakko...esp. catch tubes, prefilter, gaskets, suction cup etc... But my employer will probably purchase them for me, depending on improved efficiency and production. Once again thanks for the info and speedy reply.