Sounds good! The FX-951 is still my #1, and #2 the Pace ST50 with TD-100. But I'll definitely have a look at JBC before I decide, too.
Choosing the right soldering station turned out to be more compliated than I initially though.
FWIW, the JBC will outperform the FX-951 (not tried the Pace), and availability won't be an issue in the UK.
BTW, have you considered an Ersa i-Con Nano?
Performance is on par with a Weller WS81 or WD1 w/WP80 or WSP80 irons, and FX-950/1 for example. Excellent tip quality, they're in expensive, and have an excellent selection. Availability is good as well (multiple sources).
Well, if that's the case then I can tell you that JBC's stations blow away the MX-500. As much as I like Hakko, I have a FP101, and have a lot of time on an FX-951, the JBC is noticeable superior. I find that disappointing, to be honest. I would have expected Metcal to be better than the FX-951.
But just to be clear, I think the 951 is a FINE solder station.
The FX-951 is a fine station, and one heck of a value in the North American market at least (especially when you take TEquipment's current pricing into account).
Well worth the extra money as an upgrade to the FX-888 IMHO (~$200 less than a JBC Compact w/ 245 iron IIRC).
Makes JBC's performance gain come at quite a premium here at least, so I do understand your point of only going after it if needed. Not so sure this works out the same way in other markets though from what I've seen of UK/EU pricing for example.
Which JBC would recommend as a suitable equivalent to the FX-951 and the MX-500?
Any of them that uses the 245 iron. The compact model mentioned will be less expensive than the modular versions, but the trade-off is you can't use other tools with it (can't change the stand).
I think it's worth spending some extra bucks for the 951 over an FX888 for convenient tip changes and better performance, but I wouldn't bother with JBC or Metcal unless you really have some challenging jobs to tackle.
The value it represents in the US doesn't cover all markets unfortunately, potentially making other brands/models a better choice (spares & consumable availability as well).
For example, the Ersa i-Con Nano is a better value in the EU market IMHO (i.e. 177EUR for the Nano vs. 300EUR for the FX-951). The FX-950 is closer @ 225EUR, but you lose features (analog version for 220/230/240V markets).