PACE ST-25

[BIGBILLY]

Hi, I am having a difficult time deciding between the PACE ST25 and ADS200.  Was wondering if the ads200 is worth the extra money.  Furthermore how does the WJS100 compare to the other two.  Thanks in advance.
 
Best Regards,

BILLY

[ataradov]

Yes, quick change tips with integrated heating elements are worth any increase in price.

Also, for some inexplicable reason ADS200 tips are much cheaper, even though they are much more complex in their design.

[Shock]

The Pace ADS200 is essentially a ST/WJS station combined. It's newer technology and uses two new series of cartridge tips on the TD200 handpiece, 1130 standard and 1131 ultra tips. The station also runs the MT200 mini tweezers. Pace plans on releasing the 3 channel MBT450 which should have built in vacuum for desoldering.

The only reason you would run the ST is if you wanted to run some of their older handpieces. The WJS was high power but only ran the one soldering handpiece.

So Pace ADS200 w/TD200 is the way to go, get the ISB (instant setback) version, plus a few different carts.

[tooki]

Yes, quick change tips with integrated heating elements are worth any increase in price.

Also, for some inexplicable reason ADS200 tips are much cheaper, even though they are much more complex in their design.

No, they’re not.

I suspect you are making the same mistake I initially did when first looking at PS-90 tip prices, namely, not realizing that Pace’s pricing is often for packs of five. Many resellers break those down and sell tips individually, but one has to realize that Pace’s own descriptions don’t expressly say it’s for 5 pieces. I now know Pace part numbers end in package size, e.g. 1121-0335-P5 means it’s a 5 pack.

1121-0335-P5 is a standard 1/16” chisel, $43 for five. The same tip geometry for the TD-200 is 1130-0019-P1, $16 for one.

[ataradov]

Ok, that makes more sense, but in the end you still pay more. I solder quite a bit and have never worn out a tip. So if I have to buy 5 at a time, I'm still wasting money.

[Shock]

They do sell the variety packs like this one 6993-0210. Doesn't make sense for home use but does in an industrial/manufacturing situation.

[tooki]

Ok, that makes more sense, but in the end you still pay more. I solder quite a bit and have never worn out a tip. So if I have to buy 5 at a time, I'm still wasting money.

Oh, for sure. I’ve also never worn out a tip, and I totally agree with your initial statement that cartridge heater tips are worth the price premium. The PS-90 handle is obsolete technology that is good enough to keep around if you (esp. a company) already have a big investment in that type of equipment, but certainly not what I’d buy for a new setup.

Me, I want an ADS 200, i just don’t have any legitimate excuse for replacing my Ersa with it! 😂 (That and a lack of spare cash, lol.)