I use one of these el cheapos had it about 5 years
1 HOT AIR REWORK STATION. 1 SOLDERING STAND. Air pump air current type: Not brushes the air blower gentle revolving atmosphere. Category: Photo tube indicated. 1 HOT AIR GUN. Blows the shielded box not to change color, is quickly convenient.
www.ebay.co.uk
I've probably used it more for desoldering pots and switches tbh
Built 1 complete SMD pedal, repaired about 5 and done numerous FET and IC adaptor boards that's about it
Never used a stencil if I'm just soldering FETs or ICs to adaptor boards I use this LED hotplate
POHOVE PTC Heating-Soldering...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XJGJN59?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Make sure if you get one you put it on something heatproof the feet heat up unless you get one with heatproof feet
Coupla things, with paste you need to give it a little stir to make it easier to apply
I've found even using the nozzle it's hard to get it on the pads, it's pretty forgiving if you put big blobs on they usually get sucked into the pads, if you watch
@Darrencp video youll see he just whacks it on
If you go for the hot air station make sure your fan speed is set low or you'll blow your components everywhere
I was super careful initially but bear in mind SMD FETs ICs etc have the same or sometimes greater temperature ratings than their trough hole cousins
It's not that difficult to do especially if yer eyesights good unlike mine you'll actually see the paste turn silver as it melts