[sdiy] Cheap but reliable soldering iron

[Oakley Sound]

 > What I've learnt only recently (although I'm soldering for 40+ years 
by now): don't wipe the tip after soldering. Wipe it before soldering.

Yes, I do that. I even tin the tip before putting it to bed.

But, it's not the tip that's corroding in this case, it's the end of the 
barrel that joins the tip. I use a water wetted sponge to clean the tip. 
I think the barrel is made of something that doesn't like being dampened 
with water. But I've tried just wiping the tip but old habits die hard 
and I probably also wipe the barrel too. I probably should have tried 
some of that brassy wool stuff.

Photo of the bit is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/87190215@N07/8168981930/in/photostream

Either way, I have given up and just bought a WTCP. Not tried it yet though.

Tony

Oakley Sound Synthesisers                    http://www.oakleysound.com

Buy my music and make me happy          http://takla-makan.bandcamp.com