Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "bob_ledoux" <bobledoux@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 12:35 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Odd Soldering Tip Behavior


>I just purchased a new tip for my Antex 15 watt soldering iron.
>
> I can't get the tip to tin.  It melts solder well but solder won't
> stick to the tip.  Apparently, the new tips are iron coated copper
> with a chrome plate.
>
> Is this something new?  Are tips now being made so they don't hold
> solder?  I used it to solder an SOIC chip with no problem, but I can't
> carry a small amount of solder from solder roll to the board.  The
> solder just melts, leaving a ball on the end of the roll of solder.

Get some Multicore TTC1 tip tinner/cleaner. It's a mixture of solder 
particles and an active flux. When I used to use those Antex irons, I had 
the same problem. I don't get it with my Metcal equipment, but the tips cost 
a lot more, and last forever, with care.

Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
leon.heller@...
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller