Which solder station can you recommend (Weller or JBC) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2014, 11:57:40 pm
content: Hello,as the subject already stated I am in need for a new solder station. Basically I think I found two which might be interesting, the Weller WX1 with WXP120 or the JBC CD-2SC or maybe the JBC DIR-2B (but the last one is rather expensive already).Does anyone have them or can make a _objective_ recommendation on either?Thanks!

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 12:25:35 am
content: If price is a concern, Metcal STSS all the way. You can snag the station for ~70-80$ and a pencil for 30-50$.If you don't mind spending the cash, JBC units are very nice, but (from my experience), not 2-3+* as nice as a Metcal STSS *unless* you're soldering to something with ridiculous thermal mass where you might actually need the power.Also, T210 isn't the ideal general purpose pencil, it has a very limited selection of cartridges and they tend to be puny. Go with the T245 if you're going JBC.(Also, no country flag so I'm going to guess North American)

author: Frost
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 12:29:32 am
content: Quote from: akkarin on January 22, 2014, 11:57:40 pmThe prices are more or less similarThe WX1 + WXP120 ~ 330 Euro + ~ 170 Euro = ~ 500 Euro + VATThe DIR-2B ~ 500 Euro + VATBut the Irons are different, the WXP120 is a "heavier" 120 Wattpencil for more universal use.The DIR-2B one is more a micro iron suitable for subminiature SMD workand more like the WXMP pencil from Weller.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 09:24:28 am
content: It's just a very minor detail, but what I like about the Weller is that they have an accelerometer in their iron-handle. That means it goes to standby if its lying around for a short time. In contrast the jbc goes to standby when you put it in the stand. The stand has a cable to the base station. Cables get in the way and I'm not an iron&stand kind of guy. My iron wants to be free and loose.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 09:35:53 am
content: I have had a Weller for several years now and it hasn't missed a beat, it has the no use cool down feature which I have unintentionally used twice! Parts are reasonably available as well. Generally you get what you pay for.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 11:04:09 am
content: Well I haven't done much smd work yet. But I definately wanna get into it. Would the WX1 then better suitable or should I get a different Iron for the JBC?Or doesn't it matter I mean afterall I'm planning to use it for electronics stuff e.g. microcontroller work. I am not planning to fix the guttler with it. ;-)For some reason I am currently favouring the Weller - but I am unsure.

author: Dreso12
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 11:31:22 am
content: Hi,I have used both Weller and JBC. Both are excelent, but replacement carthdriges can be quite expensive for JBC but last a lot.You will have a good soldering iron with both.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2014, 11:53:39 am
content: Both stations will be good for smd-work. Once you go into SMD you'll turn to solder paste, vacuum pick-and-place and a reflow oven eventually - so no point in buying a station that focuses on smd only. You say you want to do MCU through-hole stuff first. With the WXP120 you have a variety of relatively cheap (ca. 6 EUR) tips to choose from. Not the case with the JBC. The JBC on the other hand heats and resonds faster. At some point you will have to solder mains cables or beefier connectors where you need a larger tip and some thermal mass. So i'd either get the DIT instead of the DIR or buy the Weller for now and buy the WXMP iron for it later if/when the small tips for the WXP120 don't cut it anymore.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 01:04:01 am
content: Ok, thank you. Actually I meant the DIT but I mixed those two.Anyway what your saying is, that both would be a good bang for the buck and I can really go wrong with either?But the weller has more power reserves and might therefore a bit more versatile?Overall quality should be good on both stations I guess?I've read that some people have problems with the weller iron holder that the plastic is not heat resistent and mealts pretty easy but other don't have any problem with that, might be a problem they fixed?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 05:47:31 am
content: I have the WD series (w/ WSP80 & WMP irons), which was their top tier prior to the WX. Not perfect, but works well. Both use simple tips to keep consumables costs lower (don't include a heating element or sensor), but the quality can vary on genuine Weller tips (LT series used in the WSP80; usually those from Bosnia). No issues with melting plastic on the stands, but I haven't tried to intentionally see if I could (most of the stands I have are actually metal), and the plastic is used where the iron goes into the stand (cover for the brass wool too).WSP80 would be an 80W equivalent to the WXP120, and the WMP to the WXP (both @65W). Tips are very similar construction.FWIW, some of the tip series offered by Weller irons can also be had fromPlato(owned by Techspray), such as those used by the WXP120. So depending on the iron/s you go with, there may be options for tips. They also tend to be less expensive than Weller brand, and get around any tip QC issues if they exist.

author: abyrvalg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2014, 11:06:41 am
content: I have a CD-2SB with 0.1mm cone 020 cartrige for fine works and 0.3x3.4mm knife 018 cartrige for the rest. Haven't any problem so far, 018 can solder mains cables easily (thanks to heater located just some mms from the tip).

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 02:42:55 am
content: the weller digital I have has 2 safety features that hakko (for example) does not: auto power down (I have forgotton and left it on a few times) and an iron cord that is anti-burn. I've hit the cord a few times with my iron and that feature, alone, is worth its weight in gold.a lot of people love hakko (I have some hakkos, too) but weller gets my vote for most usable and safest.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 04:42:02 pm
content: The cord from the JBCs is not Anti burn?And I got a stupid question, cause I am still unsure which to get.Is there anything the JBC CD-B or DIT can't do regarding to the Weller WX1.I guess the main difference would be the more expensive cartriges?The CD-B and DIT seem to be same, if I am not mistaken, at least from the wattage etc. I know the DIT has a plug for additional desolder tool.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 05:37:37 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on January 26, 2014, 04:42:02 pmJBC uses silicone insulation on the cable between the station and iron.Regarding JBC not able to do something the WX1 can, the Weller can use a 200W iron, which you'd have to purchase separately. Doubt you'd need something that large for hobbyist use, unless you're soldering antenna connectors, and even then, the thermal recovery on JBC should actually be sufficient due to the tip technology used.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 05:39:05 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 26, 2014, 05:37:37 pmAs per the compact vs. advanced, the latter allows you to have more flexibility with tools and placement, at a higher cost of course. Features and capabilities with a given tool such as the 245 iron, they're the same.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 06:32:05 pm
content: Yes, thank you I knew about the difference between the compact and the advanced. I think, for myself, the higher cost might be worth it.I was more curious about the feature and capabilitie difference between the weller and the jbc. But I think i didn't miss anything.Seems like I now just need to figure out which one to buy. :-p

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 08:28:00 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on January 26, 2014, 06:32:05 pmThis is the hard part.Weller has QC issues, and I'm not sure how extensive it is. What I can tell you, are the tips made in Bosnia I've gotten have been all over the place in regard to the plating, and there's a fair number of DOA/dead shortly after first use with stations made in Mexico (WES51 & WESD51 for example).That said, the WX tips all seem to be made in Germany (decent from what I understand), and although there was a serious issue with the stations when they first released (so bad they had to do a full recall as I understand it), it seems they've gotten them sorted now. In case of the WD series I have (and the WRMS series), it's obvious where they cut corners (power board). Not sure on the WX, but it seemed decent internally from what I recall of a tear down video on YouTube.In the case of tips, if the QC is off a bit, you might opt for Plato tips (Techspray) for non-AIO/cartridge types (just a plated copper bit), such as those needed for the standard 120W iron made for the WX stations (linked previously). Decent quality in my experience, and at a lower price (based on US pricing). Not drastically cheaper, but enough that it adds up when buying say 10x at a time (i.e. equivalent to free shipping, if all you're buying are tips).Just a couple of tidbits of info to help you be better informed, as they're not exactly as cheap as a burger and fries.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 09:35:15 pm
content: Thank you very interesting. Do you have some information about JBC as well?Do they have any QC issues? (I didn't find anything...)I just noticed they give less warranty were weller has 7 years warranty iirc JBC only has two.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 09:41:45 pm
content: Got a wellerdx2WX2 here on the forum with different irons (65W , smt pencil and smt tweezer).Had older Weller irons before also digital temp. Setting but the dx is great, heats faster and has a lot of power instantaneously so even ground planes are no problem. The only little problem i have is with the no-use sensors in the irons that doesn,t work nice. If you set the time to low it happens when soldering the iron gets shut off, then i have to shake it to wake up again, very annoying. I set the time much longer and the problem is gone.For a hobbieist i think it is important that later on you can buy extra different pencils/tweezers withou having to buy another station. WX2 has that, all settings (temp. Times etc) are stored in the pencil and disconnecting/connecting is fast still i would advise the two channel (wx2) if you already know you want to do smt in the neAr future.

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 09:47:56 pm
content: That's the WX2 you bought Kjelt, not a DX2!Still got a few more available if any other members want them, WXMP irons and WXMT tweezers as well. Half list price manufacturer reconditioned equipment in as new condition.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2014, 09:49:51 pm
content: At work we have both Weller WSD81 and JBC.I really like the quality of the soldering with the JBC irons, they have definitely got the edge over the Weller here but I hate the ergonomics of the JBC irons.For me, the JBC iron falls out of the holder too easily and it sits at a silly angle. Also, on several of these JBC irons I've seen the tip glow cherry red or even orange and this usually lasts a few seconds before going back to normal. I don't know how hot it gets in this state but it must be going open loop in terms of regulation. Everybody I've mentioned this to at work says 'they all do this' and it's a sign the tip is failing. It was pretty unnerving the first time it happened to me.Also, on the JBC irons we have the mains on/off rocker switch is hidden low down at the back of the unit right under the tip of the hot iron. So you have to be careful not to 'fumble' blindly when trying to turn it off or you could get a nasty burn.I would never buy a JBC iron for home use because of these reasons but I'm sure others will disagree

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 04:37:40 am
content: Having used pretty much every major iron on the planet, I've settled on JBC, with my Hakko a close second. As someone else said, Weller QC is all over the place...I've seen tip just disintegrate, and I got so sick and tired of it that I switched to Hakko. Metcal's temperature control is precise, but ridiculous. I change temps all the time for various reasons. I like Pace...a lot...but it's just too expensive for what I'm doing. JBC is the clear winner, for me.Incidentally, the amount of heat JBC can dump into a joint is ridiculous. Metcal is the traditional leader here, but having used both, I would give JBC the edge. That's just my opinion.Weller's had a decade or more to get their act together since they started slipping, and it's never happened...and that tells me that it will never happen. I haven't used them in 10 years because of it and maybe things have changed, but I continue to read about problems with their tips and other problems. Their performance is no better than Hakko at best, IMHO, so why even bother?I'd go Hakko as the price/performance leader, and JBC as the outright performance leader. If I wanted the all in one solution with tremendous support, I'd go Pace, and if my business grows to the point that I'm doing a lot more rework and SMD components, I WILL go Pace.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 05:50:56 am
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on January 27, 2014, 04:37:40 amThat would be me.From what I can tell, it seems to originate from shifting production to the cheapest locations possible (i.e. Mexico and Bosnia). German and US stuff still seems to be decent, based on what I've heard on recent production (seen other products from these locations, but no tips).Unfortunately, the tips I need primarily come out of Bosnia, and the plating is inconsistent. Fortunately, the Japanese made tips seem to be fine (NT series), which is a good thing, given what they cost (~ as much as the tips used in an FX-951, but no heater or sensor).Quote from: John Coloccia on January 27, 2014, 04:37:40 amThey may actually be starting to address this, but it will take time to tell.There's a new front page on tips (HERE). More detailed information in .pdf format linked on the page (euro version contains TCO evaluation). If you notice, they mention engraving. Of all the tips I've purchased lately, I've exactly ONE that's engraved. It does appear to have better plating (nice bright chrome, not dull <like chromium III>, variable color <bluing before ever heated>, and appear thin as some others do). So I'm hopeful they're beginning to address this issue, but I've only a single sample of an engraved tip. Everything else is older stock, and no different than what I've been seeing.But I also see it as a means to try and get buyers to skip over Plato or Chinese tips that are showing up, using the threat of warranty invalidation to scare users into skipping on 3rd party tips. Damaged irons due to 3rd party tips would be difficult to prove IMHO, but gives them an excuse to deny warranty claims for bad irons. *Could* see some merit on a tip that doesn't fit properly, but I've not seen any issues with Plato, or even the Chinese tips I've ordered to try out, so I see it as more of a means of trying to increase revenue through fear.As per the testing (TCO evaluation), it seems to me they definitely "stacked the deck" in their favor, as they don't state what tips they're using (3rd party), or the exact SAC305 they tested with. This makes me wonder if they used Chinese clone tips, and the worst water soluble flux based SAC305 they could find (claim of 15k cycles/joints for 3rd party).Quote from: John Coloccia on January 27, 2014, 04:37:40 amI'd have to agree with the Hakko and JBC comment.Never had access to a Pace station, so no idea as to how well they work, comfort level (not a fan of chunky irons), ...

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2014, 07:58:35 am
content: Quote from: TopLoser on January 26, 2014, 09:47:56 pmEdited

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 11:25:32 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 27, 2014, 05:50:56 amBtw, how do you know where the tip has been made?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 04:17:28 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on February 06, 2014, 11:25:32 amIf it's in your possession, read the plastic bag it comes in (I save them as an easy P/N reference).If you want to find out before purchase, some sites list the COO, such as All-Spec. Find what you're looking for, go to the product page (example), and click on the "Technical Information" tab. COO is the last line of information that comes up.BTW, Grainger is another site that lists COO.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 10:59:22 pm
content: Interesting.As I was purchasing some other stuff I needed, I already purchased a tip.I added a picture of how I received it. :-)It didn't come in any plastic bag at least not with any information on it. But it has the weller engraving etc. so it seems to be legit.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 11:29:56 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on February 06, 2014, 10:59:22 pmWeller offers singles and 10 packs.Pic of a single piece package.

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 11:35:39 pm
content: Interesting I didn't get that nice package. It was sent in that bag on the picture.I mean probably not a big deal but interesting.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2014, 11:55:15 pm
content: Quote from: akkarin on February 06, 2014, 11:35:39 pmUse it and see how it does.There are Chinese copies, but thus far, I'm not aware they've managed to copy the engraving yet. One of the reasons it seems Weller did it based on their main page (go to apexhandtools.com, select Weller, and IIRC, it's the last of the streaming banner). Click on it, and there's a .pdf link on that page somewhere (also shows a new "Genuine Weller" logo printed on the bags).FWIW, the XT series are made in Germany.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 02:40:37 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on January 26, 2014, 09:49:51 pmThe iron holder angle can be adjusted and there are many angles to suit. It works very well for me I don't really need vision for parking as soon as my muscles get memory.I have never seen my JBC glowing red, nor any other irons. Even cheap firesticks don't glow red you need to get your station checked. Or maybe limit the wattage power going to the iron from the controls.Yes the switch is out of the way, if its at the rear of the unit they could have place it higher up for easy access. Since there is a hybernate and sleep function, you don't really need to worry about iron over worked.I think we have a different unit, mine is the modular system so the iron holder is seperate from the station, so fumbling blindly wont get me burned.

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 01:40:49 pm
content: Mains switches can be relocated or added externally without efford. I wouldn't even mention the location of the mains switch as an influence on the buying decision.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 03:08:14 pm
content: QuoteThe commonest JBC units we have do not appear to be adjustable and it is an all in one unit. I think they are quite a few years old and I would hope that JBC have learned a few basic lessons in soldering iron ergonomics since thenWe have several communal soldering workstations in our various engineering labs and the commonest question about the JBC is "how do I turn it on?"This is because the person that designed it put the on/off rocker in the worst place possible, hidden under the back in the corner directly under the hot end of the iron.For me the worst thing about them is the fact the cartridge tips can suddenly get very hot and glow red or even orange if something goes wrong in the feedback system.When it first happened to me I couldn't believe the iron could get so hot so quickly in open loop. I assumed that the skinny cable from the iron to the base unit had developed an intermittent connection but other people say it is a clue that the tip is faulty and needs replacing.I've seen this happen on more than one JBC iron. Our irons see a LOT of use with lots of users visiting the workstation and maybe the JBC irons we have are just too old and worn out now. However, we have plenty of older Weller irons that are still working fine.Clearly the excellent thermal properties of the JBC irons involve their ability to pump lots of heat into the tip very quickly. However, when this system fails open loop then it is quite a sobering sight to see the cartridge suddenly glow bright orange. No way would I have this type of iron in my house no matter how good the quality of the soldering because they are a potential fire hazard IMO if the tip fails and overheats.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2014, 03:42:36 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on February 07, 2014, 03:08:14 pmLow mass tips and enough power to melt them in a few seconds (under fault conditions) are why the JBCs work so well.Yours is the only report of overheating I have come across.

author: hifihifi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2014, 01:55:06 pm
content: Did you press the tip the hole way down ?

author: Teledog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 06:01:08 am
content: Used Wellers for 25years + WTCPT is the day-to-day workhorse,secondly is the Weller WESD51,but my sweetest units are the two JBC AD2700's ..only brought out on special occasions (<0402, <0.3mm pitch)My 2 cents worth anyway! ;-)

author: HooRide
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 06:31:44 am
content: A while back I was in a similar position looking for a new soldering station. I had sales representatives from JBC, Weller and Metcal come to my home office/lab and demo their products. They each let me borrow similar stations from each respective manufacturer. (DD1B), WX2) and (MX-5000)All 3 stations were overall very very good so it came down to ergonomics, initial cost and operating cost, features and support.The Weller WX2 was the favorite of the 3, the station felt like it was high quality and has plenty of bells and whistles. The hand pieces were comfortable and the cords weren't so heavy that they weighed you down (i.e. Metcal). The rep was super nice and let me borrow dozens of tips and to sweeten the deal, on top of the manufacturer's rebate for a free tool with the purchase of the WX2, he gave me a discount because I'm a student.It's been 6 months and I do not regret my decision in the least.

author: mike105105
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 04:59:41 pm
content: Hakko FM-203 is my recommendation. Wellers quality dropped, I was replacing tips constantly. I made my boss buy me the Hakko and the difference is night and day. He liked it so much he has started replacing all of our weller units with Hakko. The tips last longer(partially because of the power down built into the stand), they heat faster and maintain temp better, and are quick and easy to change. I am probably going to buy one for home as well when I have a little extra money lying around.Mike

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 07:36:12 pm
content: You are not talking about the WX series stations. I have mine since February and never had to change a tip. I have the WXMT, WXMP and WXP120 tools. All of them are lightning quick in heating. The WX stations have power down as well, it works by detecting acceleration right at the iron handle. So no stand or extra cable required for it to work. I cann recommend it very much.

author: mike105105
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 09:02:50 pm
content: I forget what series we had, but they were all dual iron and not too old. They def weren't the newest though. The fact that over the years I saw their quality drop with my own eyes was enough, not going to try a new product of theirs and hope that they don't become crap with time as well. An accelerometer in the handle seems like over-engineering for a simple problem, I like the hakko solution better. I have a desk full of equipment and can't have irons just lying around, I need the stand, having a wire with 3.5mm connector coming off the back is minimally intrusive.Mike

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2014, 11:28:37 pm
content: Well I have a Weller WX2 and tbh that thing is awesome. Never had a single problem or had to change tips very often. It just works heats up very fast and, if needed, has a lot of power reservers to get the job done.I don't think this is over engineering tbh. It's a nice neat feature. It can be done today why shouldn't it... And its not only relying on the accelerometer alone if it cools down due to not using it and you put something at the tip it recognizes heat is neaded and also powers up.And I especially like it for the small jobs. E.g. turn it on few seconds later its heated, solder what you need to solder, done. Not waiting ages for it to heat up. which i had to do with my previous solder iron.

author: mike105105
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 12:17:01 am
content: And I never had to change tips often on the weller stations we had...until they changed something in their manufacturing and the tips went to hell. The tips for your iron might be wonderful like the weller tips I used to get from them, but I won't take the risk that at some point they start making those crappy as well(probably when they want to start pushing a new series out).That accellerometer they are using works yes, but it is also driving the cost up. I just looked up the prices for those new irons and the lowest cost one I saw was still at least $50 more expensive than the hakko. The fm-2027-03 is only $120 and it includes the stand and a tip cleaner, fm-2027 by itself is under $80. It might be good for you, and good in general at the moment, but in our environment the quality loss was causing issues in workflow.Mike

author: akkarin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 12:32:26 am
content: Well you have to check where the tips were made. Just like with every other iron out there. I also had problems with a different iron with low quality tips.Well tips are made all over the world, there was even a discussion about it somewhere here in the forum.I think the consens was buy them from Mexiko or Germany and your fine - but I am not sure about that better look it up...About the price well there is always something cheaper around the corner... I haven found the fm-2027-03 in germany but when I buy the stand and the iron seperate your getting off a bit cheaper than what I paid for my second stand with iron... so whatever.

author: mike105105
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 12:36:41 am
content: Our ordering department can't be bothered to source tips based on manufacture location, they only know to order from techni-tool and a few other places lol.Mike

author: gocemk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 12:42:03 am
content: I have a Weller WD1000T, with the Stop&Go stand and the WP80 iron. The iron presses on a micro switch when is put on the stand and then it enters in power down mode. My father is using WD1000 with WP80 and WS81 with WSP80 in his electronics workshop, 10-12 hours a day. He changes tips very rarely, perhaps once to twice a year. The situation was same before when we used the WTCP for over 20 years. So I don't think that the quality of Weller tips has dropped over the years. I don't know about JBC, but at my previous job I used to work a lot with the Ersa i-CON2. Except for the smaller and perhaps more ergonomic iron on the Ersa, there is not much difference between the Ersa I-CON2 and the WD1000T. I bought the WD1000 because where I come from it's very easy to find tips and parts for the Weller, and there is nothing to be found for the Ersa's (you must order from the internet).

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2014, 01:15:39 am
content: Quote from: mike105105 on September 28, 2014, 12:36:41 amSad, as some, such as All-Spec, even list the COO (found in the technical info tab).Also, PM sent.Quote from: akkarin on September 28, 2014, 12:32:26 amJapan and Germany regarding Weller.Mexico or Bosnia, it's a crap shoot. There are 3rd party alternatives in some cases.Quote from: gocemk on September 28, 2014, 12:42:03 amI've a very similar setup (WD1 + WSP80 + WMP + Stop-n-Go stand). Seems the LT series tips from Bosnia have variable QC, while those from Japan don't IME. FWIW, there are 3rd party tips available for the LT series that you may find better (try looking for Plato brand <may be listed as ITW/Techspray who owns it>).Seen some out of China as well (available on eBay for example). Got one to try out, but don't have enough hours yet to know anything.

author: gocemk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2014, 07:54:19 am
content: QuoteThanks for the info. Will check it out.