Why would you ever run a tip beyond 350C ?
Well
I wouldn't, but I was around many that did. I even tried locking out the JBC so it wouldn't go above 350C but they'd find ways around it. If you can't get enough heat transfer on to a 1" x 2" board with a 130W JBC iron you're doing something wrong.
Anyway, back to the crux of the issue, I spoke with a Yamaha (Trans-Tec) service tech just now about the machines I'm evaluating. He's working on getting me a complete list of options and accessories included with both machines.
I have to say that even if I could get a new Samsung machine for the same price (with feeders) I'm not sure I would. It's comforting to know there are two service centers so nearby with an abundance of spare parts, nozzles, feeders, etc...
I asked about a few issues I was concerned about, namely software. I did spend some time going over the service manuals and operators manuals for both the Opal Xii and MG-8, which K&S provided on my last visit without a fuss. Definitely takes me back with the old-school XP-style GUI but hey a little nostalgia is a good thing.
On the software front, the license is perpetual (no license fees) and if for whatever reason it crashes they'll give you a USB drive with the latest version available. He wasn't sure about whether parts are still manufactured for the Opal (older machine), although for the MG-8 it sounds like they are. In both cases there should be enough spares available to last quite a while.
I'm feeling pretty good about the support front. The logistics of getting these machines installed is rather daunting. I'm going through a broker to put together the full package and arrange financing, as the client prefers to spread it out rather than taking a big hit upfront - even if it costs more in the long run.
For those of you who have shipped equipment like this, do you have any suggestions? I would like the axes to be locked down as per the service manual. I'd also like a moisture barrier on all equipment, humidity/temperature alert sensors inside the packaging, and shock sensors on each axis of each machine/crate. For machines this size the recommended sensors from ShockWatch are 25g although there are others available down to 5g. The reflow oven is quite long so I think 2 opposing arrangements of 3 sensors each should do it.
What else am I forgetting? And how the hell am I going to fit a 13' long 3500lb. reflow oven on a forklift, lengthwise?