Moving to JBC C245 system, what cartages are good workhorses?   - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2023, 11:21:41 am
content: Switching from Hakko T18 to JBC C245 and just wondering what are some good cartridges to grab?I'm looking for a chisel tip for larger through-hole work (as this is by far what I do the most) and as I venture down the SMD looking for a spoon for QFP dragsolding and a little fellow for the usual packages but I am unsure if I should go conical, tiny chisel, a hoof or something else as an allrounder?

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2023, 01:34:53 pm
content: I'm currently using a C245-774 for all those things.Beware JBC tip oxidation, though, if you're thinking of swapping systems and still have the opportunity to choose something else.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2023, 03:24:17 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on July 05, 2023, 01:34:53 pmThanks, anything I should do outside of keeping a good routine of flux, clean, tin, put away.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2023, 07:21:47 am
content: A while ago I did treat myself to their powered tip cleaning machine, which helps get stubborn oxide off the tip, but of course there's a corresponding increase in physical wear to the tip if it's used heavily.Beyond that, I wish I knew. Fortunately I'm using it commercially, so the cost of new tips is always covered by the assembly work I'm charging for, but it's an expense I'd rather not have. With hindsight I think I'd rather have chosen a different manufacturer with a better reputation for tip life.The C245 tips seem bad, even the 'extended life' type. The C120 hot tweezers oxidise quickly too. Oddly, C210 tips last longer, though it may simply be that I don't use those nearly as much for any given job.

author: Andrew LB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2023, 08:54:32 am
content: What temp do you have yours at? I've owned my T3A c245 for a year and a half now and the three knock-off tips are like they're brand new. Same goes for the one authentic jbc tip i have.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2023, 09:43:33 pm
content: Quote from: Andrew LB on July 12, 2023, 08:54:32 amIt would be relevant to state:- What temperature you are using the tip at- How many hours per day or week you are soldering

author: slavoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2023, 09:55:07 pm
content: Just buy any chisel tip you need and stay away of the conical crapQuote from: AndyC_772 on July 07, 2023, 07:21:47 amSo what are you worried about? You use it heavily, so it wears out. Simple as that.

author: Ungolian
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2023, 09:17:17 pm
content: I'll second the 245-774 tip. Great general-use tip. I use the extended life version, the 158E. You'll also want something bigger, the C245-759 is what I use. I'd also recommend a knife type (or two). I use the C245-157E, as well as a C245-789 type (it's actually the small knife that actually comes with the T3A). Blades are great. You can touch 2 (or more) points at once (good for removing, moving, or replacing components), do rows of pin headers fast, drag soldering, or fixing solder bridges. You need proper room to use blades though, they're not for every situation. Plus you can do some serious damage if you don't know what you're doing. You want literally ZERO downward force, and the blade to be flat. For drag soldering, I use blades, a spoon tip (C245-067), or even the 774 tip. It all depends on how much room you have, if the pins can move/melt, or how lazy I'm feeling. You'll probably also want something smaller than the 774 for surface mount stuff. I use the C245-748, which is expensive, but a great tip. The C245-731 would be a more economic alternative. You can do stuff down to 0603 with those, even 0402 if you're good. But you should be aware that you aren't going to be able to do about half of the SMT stuff with just a soldering iron. You're going to need hot air, a pre-heater, or both (depending on the ground plane). Those training boards you can get on eBay, Amazon, Ali Express, etc. are good for training, but it's like swimming in the kiddie pool- it's not like that in an industrial environment. For 0402 or 0201 components, I literally never use an iron. I'm using hot air, shielding/tape, some sticky RMA flux (to keep stuff from blowing away), and an exacto knife or tweezers to move/remove components. Most people dislike conical tips, you get poor thermal contact. But they do have their uses. Mainly for touching a really small pad to reflow a joint, or tinning it for component placement. The bent one that comes with the T3A will work fine, you'll hardly ever use it anyways. For the time being, use the 774 and 759, and a small blade (a knock-off works) until you know what you're doing. From there, you can branch out to a 157E, 748/731, and 067.

author: Arts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2023, 01:24:14 am
content: I use my JBC exclusively for through-hole work. These are the tips I have on hand. They were chosen for specific reasons, such as reach or ability to get into odd spots based on the work I do. May have no bearing on your needs, but just thought I'd share;CONICAL:C245-903 1.0 Ø C0, 10.5mmCHISEL:C245-906 1.2 x 0.7 CH, 10mmC245-741 2.4 x 0.6 CH, 8mmC245-061 3.0 x 1.0 CH, 15mmC245-775 3.2 x 1.2 CH, 17mmC245-908 4.8 x 1.5 CH, 7mmCHISEL, BENT:C245-761 3.0 x 1.0 CH, Bent, Face = SideC245-732 3.2 x 1.5 CH, Bent, Face = Forward