Advice - Quicko T12 vs Aixun T3A, specifically tip selection

[djc6]

I'm looking for an upgrade to my Weller WLC100 soldering iron, I mainly want better temperature control.   My use case is mostly fixing old 8-bit retro computers, building retrocomputing related kits I buy on tindie/ebay, etc.. and stuff around the house like car repair and appliance repair.

I'm considering two upgrades.  One is this particular Quicko T12-952.  Reasons I like it:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832616981204.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.2ded38

• Says it comes with a STM32 - probably a clone, but there is a chance of 3rd party firmware support.
• Listing shows and states the case is already grounded, so no mods needed.
• It has a DC input jack so I could bypass the internal power supply entirely if it fails or is sketchy.
• The big one - Cheap T12 tips available!!

The other option being the Aixun T3A with the new stand and T245 handle: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802796840905.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

It gets great reviews and is still affordable, though triple the cost of the T12.

My hesitation with the Aixun T3A is the lack of cheap JBC clone T245 tips for it, and the reviews say the T245 handle is the one to get.   Real JBC tips are as much as the Quicko station!  Am I missing where to search for cheap tips?  All I find on Aliexpress are really fine tips or knife edge tips, when I prefer beveled tips or chisel shape tips.    I'd probably get the Aixun T3A w/T245 handle if not for the tip situation just based on all the glowing youtube video reviews.

A compromise option is getting the Aixun T3A and adding the T12 handle, though not sure how well that handle works with the new stand that is a clone of JBC stand.

I've searched a lot on the forum, but most posters are excited that real JBC tips are compatible.  I'm interested in the cheaper stuff

Thanks!

[thm_w]

Given your use case you can get away with the T12 station. I'm not a fan of the 907 handle, and use one of the thinner handles but up to you.
I'm sure you can read through the documentation https://github.com/deividAlfa/stm32_soldering_iron_controller

But there are plenty of various T245 clone tips on aliexpress, the quality may vary so do some research first.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805327737292.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800952303268.html