A quick update: Still no word on the cost for swapping out the 2 channel control unit for the 4 channel. I did hear back from someone at howardelectronics re: the AM7000SMD package. It turns out they forgot to mark it down when they put their other JBC stuff on sale so they now have it listed for $4900, or $600 less than they had before. That's still $1600 more for, as far as I can tell, the quad control, tweezers, the T210 handpiece, and some extra cartridges. Oh, and some flux (again, yippee!). Still seems steep. Not sure what I'm missing.
It's in the hot air portion.
The JBC is much more powerful than the Ersa (700W for the JBC JT-1C that comes in that setup & 200W for the Ersa I-Tool Air S). So the JBC is a general purpose hot air rework that can take on the biggest SMD IC's, including BGA (hot plate/hot air plate might be in order here), while the Ersa is meant for small stuff (passives and small IC packages; think cell phone repair). More akin to the
JBC TE-1B which is rated for 300W, or Weller's HAP.
The JBC also includes tripods and shields (they call them extractors & protectors respectively) for removing and soldering IC's that are incredibly handy IMHO. You can buy them separately if you wish. The JBC is also a bit more ergonomic IMHO due to the angled round nozzle (my favorite shape for any).
All this said, the Ersa can't be beat on price, so I still say go for it as you're planning on.
And should you need the extra power for hot air, I'd recommend taking a look at a
Quick 861DW (not kidding, this thing will get it done @ 1kW, and it's well built inside). Shipping is free, and they even offer a 10% off offer (comes to $180.15 shipped
). Would get you what you need and still come in cheaper than the JBC AM7000 setup by a long shot.
I happen to own that particular Quick Hot Air Station, and I'm picky about equipment (wouldn't recommend it if I wasn't impressed with it). Round nozzles that come with it are all you should ever need, especially if you use some sort of shield to contain the heat (DIY or buy JBC). No vacuum port on the unit (ones that do are way more expensive), but you have one on the Ersa should you purchase JBC's tripod extractors.
Wish it had a bent round, but I may purchase a spare and see if I can't end the tube without crushing it (i.e. seal end, add water, freeze, bend; same way they manufacture brass musical instruments).
See attached photos of the innards to see what I'm talking about.
At any rate, I'm still set on getting the ERSA from TopLoser (thanks again Ian!). Can't pass up a deal like that! I'm going to be ordering the 1000W transformer today or tomorrow to get everything ready. If anyone has any questions about the station or wants to see/know anything post here and I'll try to answer you as best I can once the station arrives.
Start a new thread with lots of photos, as Ersa's not well known here in the US.
Especially as QC has slipped in some cases (looking at you, Weller
).