I did the Aoyue bit a yr or so ago - I went "top of the line" with the hot air, soldering iron, and desoldering gun all in one.... model number-2702. That smoke absorber was nothing! I like the smell of rosin when soldering.
The Aoyue is ok, it blows hot air and you can change the flow rate. The soldering iron is ok - the desoldering gun was my BIG desire...... and now I hardly ever use it. I use desoldering braid OR the elcheapo vacuum iron from Radio Shack for $11. I'm thinking maybe I didn't give the Aoyue desoldering gun a decent time for the learning curve?
I use my Weller WCPT iron most of the time and only bring the Aoyue on-line when I need the hot air or extra soldering iron. AS mentioned, I use the Weller most all time due to the noise from teh Aoyue - that thing is a noise maker!
Ken H>