I'll stress that this thread looks stupid to me. All discussion about station itself and total disregard to cartridges which were used ....
I disagree. Because you always buy a original JBC tip, but you are stuck with the station. I am in the same boat right now with two stations using the Hakko 900M type tip. IMHO both underperform.
Currently looking into:
KSGER STM32 V3.1S
+Cheap <$50
- Can use only T12 (should be enough actually)
AIXUN T3A
+JBC clone stand (optional)
+ Great review
- Well over $100
Geeboon TC20A
+ Well below $50
+ Can use T20, C245, C210, C115 handles/tips
- No reviews yet
- Can't find outside Taobao
AIFEN / 爱风 A9pro
+ with holder
+ can set 3 temps
+ well below $100
- No T12 (but C***)
All price ideas from Taobao.com
The Geeboon looks tempting, the Ksger is sort of well known for years and similar priced. I think I will go with the Geeboon.
Update: Geeboon TC20A - first impression
Ordered Saturday, received Monday. Not too bad ;-) Well packed.
Surprise 1: The paper manual has English!
Surprise 2: The stand does not suit T12 tips. Stand too short, part holes too small, and worst - bottom not flat, it wobbles (which is not a big deal since it can't be used anyway)
https://streamable.com/6vf7jyStation works and can be set to English. I think I will buy also the other handpieces, C210 etc, need to have a look.
After using it for a while.....
- Their website is https://geeboon.com (not much to see)
- The heat-up time to 350°C is about 20-30 Seconds (that is when the solder on a T12 tipp melts) - seems slow, or?
- The sleep mode on the supplied T12 hand piece is not very sensitive and it switches off while I work (switch off time can be set or disabled)