I have an Edsyn ZD500dx desoldering station which i find is excellent for all types of board repairs.
It's the only station i've owned or used so i can't compare it to any other brand.
So far it has worked flawlessly and is simple and easy to clean......i love it!
Made in the USA
I did a lot of research before buying and in the end It was a toss-up between Hakko or the Edsyn
I decided on Edsyn after seeing a lot of non-working Hakko's for sale on ebay US with missing or damaged handpieces and that turned me off them.
I'm sure Hakko desoldering stations are good as well as a lot of people rave about them.
I have had a Hakko 936 iron for years ,never a problem with it and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Thats an interesting looking unit , never it seen it before , can you get parts for it here in Aus ??
I've had the same hand piece on my Hakko for 8 years , you really need to maintain them as they are nearly $500 to replace , probably why you saw so many without hand pieces for sale.
The 936 Iron is interchangeable with the Iron on the 701 so really handy when an element dies .
I think Mektronics are and Aus distributor for them but they are dear as poison compared to overseas prices.
I bought spare filters ,tips and other spares for it directly from Edsyn in the US....luckily just before our dollar shit itself
The complete handpieces for these units are also around the $500 mark to replace so i'll definitely be keeping it well maintained also.