JBC and Related Questions

[Electro Fan]

After years of reasonably good results with a Hakko FX-888D I’m interested in trying a JBC CD-B1 (120V) or some similar entry JBC model variant. 

I have a good selection of Hakko tips and I realize JBC tips are going to cost about 3x more.

I’m not convinced this is going to be anything more than a TEA-driven learning experience so I’d like to minimize the cost but without being penny wise and pound foolish.

So…. no doubt the answers to these specific questions are somewhere … but after hours of looking for them I’m hoping someone won’t mind providing them

1. What sellers of genuine 120V JBC stations offer the best prices?  (Or maybe the station prices are pretty uniform everywhere?)

2. Is it possible to find any remaining new JBC 245 analog stations (maybe a BT-1BWA?)?  If so, will these perform with the same ~2 second startup and “remain on target temp control” as the digital JBC models?  (If so, my theory is I can get the big temp dial close enough - but maybe the price delta vs a CD-B’s superior features and functions make the analog station a poor way to economize?)

3. What is the best JBC clone station that uses a ground safe toroidal transformer?  An Aixun 400, or something else? 

The ability to use two handles at the same time (245+245 or 245+210) or even just interchangeably (either 245 or 210) is “a nice to have” but not as important as equaling the full performance of an authentic JBC 245 station/handle/cartridge tip.  Even if the Axiun station is a winner I’d still want to be able to use JBC cartridge tips and handles.

I’ve seen conflicting reports on whether JBC handles can be used with the Aixun 400 models due to pin incompatibilities, and overall I’m pretty far down the path to an all JBC configuration but I’m willing to hear about why Aixun is the best of both worlds - ie, superior in its own right but also fully compatible with genuine JBC cartridge tips AND genuine JBC handles.

Net, net:  I am 100% committed to using JBC cartridge tips (at least for starters as a reference) but I’m not sure if this is going to be worth the overall cost so I’d like to minimize the economic damage in case the improvement even with a full authentic JBC station proves to be marginal for my occasional soldering vs what I get with the Hakko FX-888D.

Thanks

[thm_w]

Discussed a bit here already: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/jbc-station-jbc-bt-2bqa-vs-bc-bt-2bwa/

Why do you need a toroidal transformer? You can get the TA305 if you want it, but in my mind its pointless. If you don't want it you can consider the TC22: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/geeboon-tc20a-240w-tc20b-380w-jbc-clone/

Aixun T420D is $300, if you have the money maybe thats the choice then: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005810777643.html

[bson]

1. What sellers of genuine 120V JBC stations offer the best prices?  (Or maybe the station prices are pretty uniform everywhere?)

They all charge MSRP, but Tequpment.net offers a 6% EEVblog discount - that's where I got mine.  They often don't have everything in stock though, and their site won't tell you, so if you don't wish to wait I'd suggest contacting them and asking about availability first.