JBC CD-1BE Recovery Time - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wakawakawaka
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 10:56:11 pm
content: Hi All,I've been meaning to upgrade to a new soldering station after my Metcal MX500 bit the dust (literally). I loved that station and have the MX-5220 at work (which I love as well). However, for my home lab, I'd prefer something where I can digitally control the temperature.All this being said, it seems that the JBC CD-1BE fits the bill, but I have no experience with it. I've looked around and can't find information on how it recovers thermally, especially compared to the MX-500, MX-5000 etc. Does anyone have any numbers or "feeling" on the JBC? Thanks, I appreciate you reading this.- Waka

author: lmaokore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 01:28:30 am
content: Keep in mind this is marketing material released by JBC.I own a JBC CD-1BE and a Metcal-style induction soldering iron so ask away.

author: wakawakawaka
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 03:57:46 am
content: Hi lmaokore,Thanks for the pictures, I hadn't seen them through JBC's marketing channels.Are the JBC's the same style tips as the Metcals? Or do they have a heater in the iron itself? The reason I ask is because I don't necessarily want a warm/hot pencil while I'm working on long solder jobs.

author: lmaokore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 04:41:33 am
content: Quote from: wakawakawaka on January 22, 2018, 03:57:46 amInduction (Metcal) and resisitive (JBC) are two different technologies. However in the simplest terms, you could say that for both Metcal and JBC, the heater are in the tips and not the iron.

author: wakawakawaka
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 04:47:51 am
content: Ok, thanks. Sounds like the pencil itself remains relatively cool then for the JBC also. Last question for you I think: Are you happy with the JBC CD-1BE? What do you find yourself using more out of your JBC and Metcal?

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 05:20:48 am
content: I've got several JBCs, personal, and a dozen or so in a production environment. From the tiny mini-series to the HD series.We also had Metcals, but found everyone preferred the JBCs (including myself). We do near invisible S/Mount to bus-bars on 2KW transformers.Why JBCs won out (in our case) - HUGE range of tips and shapes !! Very fast change, and VERY fast heat-up. The long-life tips are truly long life,even though we're happy with the standard tips too. Before I switched, the factory went through dozens of Wellers etc a year, not any more.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 05:41:51 am
content: I just received that exact model last week and love it. There is no way I will test it scientifically, but I have already put it to the test from fine pitch .4mm QFNs, to a rather big diode on a huge ground plane. Performed rather well.I started with 6 tip styles and I will probably get a few more to cover all the usual tasks I encounter. The selection of tips is almost overwhelming, but in a good way.I would certainly recommend it.Short and misplld from my mobile......

author: lmaokore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 06:00:18 am
content: Quote from: wakawakawaka on January 22, 2018, 04:47:51 amI don't actually have a Metcal (actually Hakko FX-100, a superior Metcal clone). The Metcal handpiece is horrible so JBC wins by far for ergonomics. Tip changing is also nicer for JBC but cartridges are really expensive. Both are used depending on the application.

author: wakawakawaka
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 24, 2018, 12:05:58 am
content: Thank you all for your input. I've ordered the CD-1BE. Looking forward to receiving it!

author: lmaokore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2018, 07:53:40 pm
content: Quote from: wakawakawaka on January 24, 2018, 12:05:58 amIf you had waited just a little longer, you might have gotten their new compact station which is coming out very soonhttp://www.jbctools.com/new-compact-station-with-soldering-profiles-news-170.html

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2018, 11:28:06 pm
content: I don't think I would benefit from the profiling. Great for process control when all your technicians vary in skills.Curious how many people / businesses make practical use of that capability. My guess is that only larger companies in highly regulated industries would bother. Aerospace, medical, commercial personal safety electronics, etc.Since mine arrived, I am most happy with the super easy tip changes and the great variety. Thermal performance is excellent of course and I am able to cover a huge range of tasks with ease.Short and misplld from my mobile......

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 26, 2018, 01:25:07 am
content: Quote from: rx8pilotI've tried to set these up on many occasions, for various production jobs. They rarely stay set for more than 15-60 mins.Reasons - it wasn't soldering fast enough .. there's more oxidation on the copper, so I had to fix the temps ... I'm using thicker solder, so had to adjust ...I had to do another small job in between and forgot to change it back ...Current method - a FULL tutorial on - Temperature, Power settings, Tip sizes and shapes - and a guide on how to adjust for each type of jobBeing in control, people seem to be more observant