MOTM

-----Original Message-----
How long do the tips last for the basic model Weller? 
How do you know when a tip is bad?

What type of tip are most people put there using?


-----Reply----------------
I'm using a Weller that I bought back in the very early 80's. Still going
like a charm.

The tip I like is not a super-pointy one, but rather a conical tip with
slightly rounded point, and then the end is slightly 'flattened.'

I think I replaced my last tip about 8 years ago, and it's still like new. I
think the temperature of your iron and your soldering habits have a lot to
do with tip life. I used to work with people using the same station that I
have that needed a new tip every week. I seem to get a decade out of a tip.
The only thing I replace regularly is the sponge.

I'm always careful to 'tin' the tip when the iron will be hot but not used
for any length of time. In other words, while doing active soldering, I wipe
the tip on the sponge regularly (not too wet, not too dry), and when I toss
it back into the saddle to stuff a few more parts, I put a blob of solder on
the end. Sure, it smokes a bit. If I think I'm not going to use the iron for
15 minutes or more, I tin it and then turn it off (it heats again very
quickly so why let it just sit there oxidizing the tip?).

Hope this helps.