MOTM

> From: Elhardt@...
> As far as sponges go, I wet mine then squeeze it out so it is not very
wet.  
> I will try wetter sponges and tinning more often and see if that helps.  
> Seems like a lot of people are using soldering stations and those tips
are 
> lasting longer.  I would think the Weller WP35 would be similar to what
they 
> have on their stations, although every model of station uses a whole 
> different type of tips.  However one response said his tips last for
about 3 
> to 4 modules, so who knows.

I have read much of this thread with interest and amazement.  I have not
had one bit on tip trouble with my iron and have assembled several (in the
teens) MOTM modules along with several other projects.  I plug it in when I
start and unplug it when I'm done, often 3 or 4 hours.  I do not over-tin
or give it any special storage technique.  I sponge it clean frequently
during use only because it is slightly dirty.  My tip still looks like new.

I don't have a clue what the tip is made of.  However, it is conical in
shape and similar in size to a fine point ball point ink pen except the
very end is flattened slightly.  It is not one of the fancy solder
stations, but a plain old 30Watt GC electronics brand I picked up at the
local electronics store.  The model # is 12-0048.  It has a temperature
adjustment from 16W to 30W per the tag.  I don't get anal about probe
temperature as I figure 30W will not burn up much of anything if you have
good technique.  I run the uncalibrated temperature adjustment near the top
of the scale most of the time.

So, if you want a nice sharp tip that lasts a long time, try one of the GC
brands. I think I paid $29 for mine. These tips are replaceable, but I have
never felt compelled to.  When I need a more heat (non-PCB work) I pull out
one of my "other irons" or a torch if I am soldering something as big as
car jumper cables <snicker>

LH