I bought a 936 as an emergency back-up but have since pushed it to the back of a cupboard unused. I was a Weller Magnastat user before moving onto PACE temperature controlled irons. I liked them so much that I now have several with different tips fitted. I have a hot air/soldering station that had the same handpiece as the 936. I quickly discarded it as it felt light and cheap in the hand. Performance wasn't too great either.
I am no tool snob, but I can honestly state that once you have used a well made and correctly weighted handpiece, the cheap plasticy Chinese handpieces just don't feel 'right'. That is even before switching it on ! If you can possibly afford a decent soldering iron, buy one in preferance to the likes of the cloned 936, you will not regret it in the long run. AND do not forget, you can buy very good named brand soldering irons on the used marketplace. A quality used soldering iron is still a lot better than a new Cheapo unit
![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or worried about in buying used equipment that has been cared for.
I attach pictures of some of the models of PACE soldering station that I own. They all use the same handpiece design so are great if you like the feel of them. They would all wipe the floor with the Clone 936 and very likely the Hakko irons as well. All cost me less than US$80 each, even the three New Old Stock ones ! (pictures are just grabs from the internet). The newer models are cased in quality cast aluminium enclosures and the ST115 has a vacuum pump included in it for desoldering and 'pick & place' handpieces