[sdiy] Cheap but reliable soldering iron

[David Kaiser]

I used to tin the tip of the iron every time when powering off and
finishing using it (and cleaning with wet sponges).  It still got corroded.

About 3 months ago I switched to the brass wire tip cleaner, this one
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C789EU/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

I now tin it about half as often, and it stays cleaner/shinier much
better while I'm using it.

I'm certainly not a pro, so consider this my amateur assessment :)


On 11/09/2012 01:35 AM, Oakley Sound wrote:
>> 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
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