JBC station: JBC BT-2BQA vs BC BT-2BWA

[antoniobeta]

Hello!

I finally have money for a decent soldering station!
 I want something that will last a lifetime and is cartridge based (which is why I don’t pan to buy the Hakko 888).
I had a budget of €200, but I'm thinking of stretching it to get the JBC BT-2BQA (€215 + VAT), however, I'm confused because I've also seen the BT-2BWA on the market which is a little bit more expensive, €251 + VAT.

It appears to be the same station but with different branding. ¿Does anyone know if there is any real difference between the two?
I think this station is "officially" obsolete, but since it uses the same pen as the new JBC stations, the supply of replacement tips should last a long time.

What do you think? Should I pull the trigger on the JBC BT-2BQA?

I also looked at the Hakko 951 and 971 but I prefer JBC.

[shabaz]

I may be mistaken as to any other differences, but according to the user docs, I believe one comes with no soldering tips supplied, whereas the other comes with tip # C245907.

I think there is no other difference, but JBC has so many bundle and country specific variation codes, sometimes it's hard to be sure.

[thm_w]

https://www.welectron.com/mediafiles/manuals/jbc/JBC_BT-2BWA_Manual.pdf lists the one cartridge
https://kaisertech.co.uk/jbc-bt-2bqa-analogue-soldering-station says no cartridge, though some manuals list 2 for some reason

https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/comments/1b39fbs/my_brandnew_jbc_soldering_iron_just_got_red_hot/

Personally I would just buy something cheaper, then save up for the real deal. But if you are not using it too much, should be fine.

[antoniobeta]

https://www.welectron.com/mediafiles/manuals/jbc/JBC_BT-2BWA_Manual.pdf lists the one cartridge
https://kaisertech.co.uk/jbc-bt-2bqa-analogue-soldering-station says no cartridge, though some manuals list 2 for some reason

https://www.reddit.com/r/soldering/comments/1b39fbs/my_brandnew_jbc_soldering_iron_just_got_red_hot/

Personally I would just buy something cheaper, then save up for the real deal. But if you are not using it too much, should be fine.

I saw that red hot nightmare, but I believe (or want to believe) that this error is an outlier because this station has been on the market for quite a long time with lots of happy customers.

I have also thought about saving up for the big station but in reality I don’t think I need the digital display but I love the flexibility of the T245 and its enormous tip catalogue so this “cheap” analog one is perfect, but I am still open to change, so please let me know why I should not buy it before I pull the trigger.

This is going to be personal (I don’t know if I will delete the message after) but my father died at age 56 this year and last week I found out he left 200€ hidden for me, so I want to buy some test equipment that I will have for the rest of my life as a last nice gift from him. That’s why I think I want the analog station since I have the impression that it will last longer that the digital (or so I hope since I want this to be with me until I cannot solder anymore)

EDIT:
I re-read the reddit post (the first time I did not see some hidden comments), I can count at least two more people with the same problem so I am going to save up some money for the upgraded JCB .

[thm_w]

It is covered under warranty for 2 years, and probably most are fine as you say. Entirely depends on your budget and preferences.
I just give my preference, to have a screen and settings.

Some other discussion was here but didn't really lead anywhere: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/jbc-bt-2bwa-vs-jbc-cd-2bqe/
Other than it should support T210 handpiece as well.

[antoniobeta]

I think I will pass on the analog, also the discussion on the forum discard me more than I was.

Maybe I will buy an original T245 an design my own this summer... That, at least will make it extremely reparable.

[shabaz]

Hi,

Sorry about your loss. As another suggestion for a tool for life, maybe something non-electronic will last longer, for instance vernier calipers could be something you might always use as an engineer. Or a metal tool box, or a small stool or step for your lab if you need something like that. Anyway, after seeing that video, it definitely sounds like you made the right decision not to go for that soldering station.

[antoniobeta]

Hi,

Sorry about your loss. As another suggestion for a tool for life, maybe something non-electronic will last longer, for instance vernier calipers could be something you might always use as an engineer. Or a metal tool box, or a small stool or step for your lab if you need something like that. Anyway, after seeing that video, it definitely sounds like you made the right decision not to go for that soldering station.

Maybe you are right and a soldering station is not a good idea for longevity.
I have always love this caliper: https://es.rs-online.com/web/p/calibres/4868311and this is the opportunity to get it. I will think it through because it is not the most reliable caliper there is 😅 but I already have a normal analog one.

Maybe as I said, a custom design will last forever (as long as I have the files) and he was someone who always tried to make before buy.

I don't know right now my mind is very fuzzy.

[loki42]

The absolute digimatics are less money from shops and are amazing.  https://toolswarehouse.com.au/collections/mitutoyo-calipers/products/mitutoyo-500-196-30-150mm-6-absolute-digimatic-caliper RS usually has pretty terrible prices though sometimes they have a good deal.  Look at Mr worker too.  I would never get a dial calliper / micrometer instead of good digital. They are faster and easier.  The battery life is ludicrously good.