A second-hand Metcal system can be bought for about the same price as a new Weller or whatever. I use an older STSS power unit I bought with the later MX-500 handpiece and cartridges - it cost me =A3125 including six cartridges. The latest MX-5000 accessories should work with the STSS, as well. I got a spare STSS on Ebay for =A370.