Heating Soldering Iron Station Recommendation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 08:34:38 pm
content: Hi,I used to have a Gordak 952, and after many years of service it has finally broken down. Now I’m looking to buy a new heating soldering iron station.Most of my work is on 0402 components and upwards, including lots of QFN, TQFP, SSOP, etc. I prefer something that heats up quickly, has reasonably priced tips, uses PID temperature control, and ideally has a sensor to put the iron into standby when not in use. Easy tip swapping would be a nice bonus, though not a must.The most important thing for me is durable and reliable tips that can be purchased separately from different vendors at reasonable (or lower) prices. I’m also leaning toward Chinese brands since many of them now offer good features for the price.I want your input on selecting the new one!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 11:35:45 pm
content: Discussed to death, read existing threads and SDG reviews.I would recommend one or two stations with T115 (for 0402) + T245 handpieces (for everything else).https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/geeboon-tc20a-240w-tc20b-380w-jbc-clone/https://www.youtube.com/@sdgelectronics

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2025, 11:24:26 am
content: QuoteThanks for the feedback, I have found some good looking Chinese brands and models, what's your input on them, does any one use them and have experience from them?AIXUN T420DAIFEN-A902SUGON T60Fnirsi DWS-200What about Soldering cartridges or tips? can they be changed from different brands? where to get them cheaply!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2025, 08:42:53 pm
content: Fnirsi is garbage.Aixun 420D is good but priceyhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/any-opinions-on-the-aixun-t420d/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/search-jbc-clone-soldering-station/Google T115 and T245 tips and you'll find your answer:https://www.diyfixtool.com/search?type=product&q=c115

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2025, 12:14:43 pm
content: QuoteThanks for the feedback, Then which Geeboon model do you recommend?

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2025, 03:51:59 pm
content: I think I would go for Geeboon TC22, since this is the first time I'm switching to the cartridge soldering station, and my soldering involve mainly MCU's like ESP32, STM32, CH32V parts in different packages from QFN to QFP and passives are 0402 upwards, mostly in the 0603 range, which soldering tips do you suggest to buy?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2025, 08:45:04 pm
content: For both I would get the included or "standard" 3 tips just because they are so cheap, its worth having on hand, something like this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006314669092.htmlThen I like C115-105 for modifications.For C245 the standard tips are not as useful, other than the knife tip, maybe a chisel or hoof type can be added.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/what-jbc-tips-do-you-use-regularly-and-like/

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2025, 10:37:20 am
content: thanks for the feedback, how long does the tips last? also what would you use C115-105 for, I think it's maybe too small

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2025, 09:02:53 pm
content: If its a quality brand, and using leaded solder, it will last years.Some people have had issues even with real JBC tips, probably lead free + aggressive flux + high temperature makes it worsehttps://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/comments/1fc1hco/disappointed_in_jbc_tips_cartages_advice_please/

author: ali_asadzadeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 07:55:35 am
content: I got price info on Geeboon Tips, But I think they are expensive, what's your Idea? which one should I get?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 07:37:36 pm
content: $7 CAD is not that expensive for a tip of decent quality.C245-2.2D is probably the only general use one I'd recommend. Everything else depends on your personal preference and what you are doing. Some people like knife tips, some like hoof, etc.C245-6D for very large parts on planes.

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 07:53:11 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on September 23, 2025, 11:35:45 pmI see SDGelectronics has a new vid up on a GeeBoonHA310 is what I bought due to his review. It is super solid with a toriodial transformer supply. The new one is much cheaper but is pulsed power.I am using official JBC hand pieces and a mix of GeeBoon and JBC tips. I'm very happy with it for the last 2-3 months.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2025, 07:28:23 am
content: Avoid CCP Chinese junk.Get a USA Metcal Smartheat, Japanese, HAKKO, or Weller.j