MOTM

I can take no more of the copper or nickel plated tips I have been using.  
They start to disintergrate in a couple of hours and it is downhill from 
there.  Someone e-mailed my privately and told me iron plated tips should 
last longer.  I didn't want to have to buy a solder iron with which I am not 
able to buy tips locally, but I am going to have to, because I am getting fed 
up.  The problem is finding iron tips.  The Weller WP35 uses iron, nickel and 
chromium plated copper tips according to their PDF catalog.  This was 
recommended by Paul.  Anybody using a Weller WP35?  Will the tips last longer 
than what I have?

Also, because I can't see the thing in person before I order (if I order 
one), is it the ST-7 Conical Tip that I want?  If not, what tip should I be 
getting?  Any help greatly appreciated.

BTW, if I get one of these and still need to replace tips everyday, heads 
will roll.

-Elhardt

Wow, are you really going through tips that quickly?

I have an old Weller station (the model number escapes me... bought it in
1983...baby blue, sponge holder...). I bought about ten tips with that
station in '83. In all that time, I've probably used three of them, and I've
use that station for a lot of hours over the years. It blows my mind that
the tips are disintegrating on you so quickly.

Do you have the temperature cranked to the max a lot? Mine isn't a variable
station.

Maybe it's technique? The way I was taught to work with a soldering iron is
that I never let it sit for more than a few seconds hot without tinning the
iron. I also tin it immediately after powering it off and 'store' it with a
blob of solder on the end. I was told that this extends tip life, but could
it be that drastic?

For instance, I will warm up the iron. When it's hot, I wipe the tip on the
*slightly* damp sponge. Then I immediately put a small amount of solder on
the tip and holster the iron.

I'll stuff a bunch of parts into a board, then grab the iron, wipe the tip,
solder all the joints, wipe the tip, put another bead of solder on the end
and twirl the iron to make sure the tip is covered, and holster the iron
again.

If I'm not going to use it for ten or fifteen minutes, I turn it off.

When working on MOTM kits, I use Paul's provided solder only for the PCB; I
have an oooold roll of cheapo solder that I use for tinning the tip. It just
sits next to the iron.

The tip I have in my iron now has been in there for... probably five years
of intermittent use. But just in the past few months I probably got 40 hours
of "on" time with that iron/tip and it's good as new.

The constant tinning makes sure that the tip isn't exposed to the air,
especially when hot, and most especially after wetting it on a sponge. After
all, rust is a chemical reaction that is accelerated by air, water, and
heat!

On Mon, 29 Nov 1999 Elhardt@... wrote:

> I can take no more of the copper or nickel plated tips I have been using.  
> They start to disintergrate in a couple of hours and it is downhill from 
> there.

  It almost sounds like the iron is too hot.  What temperature is it set
for?  If it has no temperature dial, you might consider a 120v->100v AC
stepdown transformer.  They're fairly common. (As a travel-transformer for
folks visiting from Japan, at least.  This means that they're sold
domestically, however).

  --Crow

/**/

oldcrow@... writes:

>>It almost sounds like the iron is too hot.  What temperature is it set 
for?<<

It almost does sound like the iron is too hot.  I have three soldering irons. 
 None of them have adjustible temperatures.  I am using the tips that are 
made for them, but they just don't last.

<Ken.Tkacs@...> writes:

>>I have an old Weller station (the model number escapes me... bought it in
1983...baby blue, sponge holder...). I bought about ten tips with that
station in '83. In all that time, I've probably used three of them<<

I also used to use a baby blue solder station (don't remember what make) 
where I worked about 15 years ago, and I don't ever remember changing the tip 
in the year I worked there.  It had a nice shape to it, and never eroded away 
on me.  That is what I want in a soldering iron.

>>Maybe it's technique? The way I was taught to work with a soldering iron is
that I never let it sit for more than a few seconds hot without tinning the
iron. I also tin it immediately<<

I tin the tip the first time I put a new one in the iron.  I don't stuff 
boards with the iron on.  I stuff a bunch of boards, solder them then unplug 
the iron, so I can wash them and stuff some more.  Maybe I need to do more, 
as you say.  But I just want a iron that works the way that solder station I 
used to use worked.

Thanks for the input.  I was hoping somebody on this list actually had the 
Weller WP35.  Antex is about the only other soldering iron that I can find 
mail order that has iron tips available.  If anyone is getting long tip life 
from these without tinning every few seconds, please let me know.  Thanks.

-Elhardt

I bought my last bunch of tips from Mouser; they have different shaped tips
for the Wellers, anyway.

You say your iron is not temperature-variable. But I wonder if the
thermostat is defective? I wouldn't know how to test it. When you solder,
are you doing damage to the PCBs, or does everything seem fine?

*Something* is wrong.

I use the ST3 iron-plated copper tip. It came with the "consumer-grade"
WLC100 Weller solder station I bought oh, a year-and-a-half ago? I set the
temperature knob (which is arbitrarily marked) near maximum. I leave the
iron on the whole time I'm working, several hours at a time. Once I left it
on too long without re-tinning the tip, but some time with a damp sponge
restored it to its glorious tinned finish. It works great, and I've never
replaced the tip.

Before I turn it on, I wrap some organic solder around the tip, tightly. I
dampen the sponge and keep it damp the whole time. Not slightly damp, but
rather wet actually. I pack a few components, wipe the tip, solder the
components (I never spend more than a second on any connection, then I
recheck the joints and touch up after I've secured all the components if
necessary). Then I wipe the tip again, and if it's going to be more than a
couple minutes for me to figure out which resistors are which, I'll tin it
again. I really rely more on the sponge to keep the tip nice; I wipe the tip
often. I used to be paranoid that I had the iron too high, but I don't think
that's the case because all the modules work, the soldering looks nice, and
the tip is still good.

Maybe you should try being aggressive with the wet sponge before trying
anything else. And see if you have that type of tip.

Good luck,

David.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elhardt@... [mailto:Elhardt@...]
> Sent: Monday, November 29, 1999 11:49 PM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: Re: [motm] Solder Tips, will Weller WP35 Tips last?
>
>
> From: Elhardt@...
>
>
> oldcrow@... writes:
>
> >>It almost sounds like the iron is too hot.  What temperature is it set
> for?<<
>
> It almost does sound like the iron is too hot.  I have three
> soldering irons.
>  None of them have adjustible temperatures.  I am using the tips that are
> made for them, but they just don't last.
>
> <Ken.Tkacs@...> writes:
>
> >>I have an old Weller station (the model number escapes me...
> bought it in
> 1983...baby blue, sponge holder...). I bought about ten tips with that
> station in '83. In all that time, I've probably used three of them<<
>
> I also used to use a baby blue solder station (don't remember what make)
> where I worked about 15 years ago, and I don't ever remember
> changing the tip
> in the year I worked there.  It had a nice shape to it, and never
> eroded away
> on me.  That is what I want in a soldering iron.
>
> >>Maybe it's technique? The way I was taught to work with a
> soldering iron is
> that I never let it sit for more than a few seconds hot without
> tinning the
> iron. I also tin it immediately<<
>
> I tin the tip the first time I put a new one in the iron.  I don't stuff
> boards with the iron on.  I stuff a bunch of boards, solder them
> then unplug
> the iron, so I can wash them and stuff some more.  Maybe I need
> to do more,
> as you say.  But I just want a iron that works the way that
> solder station I
> used to use worked.
>
> Thanks for the input.  I was hoping somebody on this list
> actually had the
> Weller WP35.  Antex is about the only other soldering iron that I
> can find
> mail order that has iron tips available.  If anyone is getting
> long tip life
> from these without tinning every few seconds, please let me know.  Thanks.
>
> -Elhardt
>
>

In a message dated 11/30/99 8:16:34 AM, dbivins@... writes:

>I use the ST3 iron-plated copper tip. It came with the "consumer-grade"
>WLC100 Weller solder station I bought oh, a year-and-a-half ago? 


I have one of these super cheapo versions of a soldering station too. I'm not 
sure what kind of tip it has. I bought mine about 2-4 years ago, and 
immediately decided I wouldn't mind replacing the tip since it is just a bit 
too large and thick (a thick screwdriver type tip) for the "fine" work that I 
do. I therefore take absolutely no care with it beyond just tinning it just 
before I start soldering and right after I finish. I often leave it idle at 
about half power for hours on end. I have so far been unable to destroy the 
tip -- I really think these stations are good for the amateurs amongst us. I 
hope the thinner tip will have a similar long life, if I live long enough to 
replace it.

I set
>the
>temperature knob (which is arbitrarily marked) near maximum. I leave the
>iron on the whole time I'm working, several hours at a time. Once I left
>i
>on too long without re-tinning the tip, but some time with a damp sponge
>restored it to its glorious tinned finish. It works great, and I've never
>replaced the tip.


I never use mine this high (usually around the 3 mark on a scale of 5), but I 
agree that the tip does clean up pretty readily even by just having a 
marathon soldering session.

I used to use a Radio Shack soldering iron with interchangeable power 
elements -- a great iron, except that I kept burning out the low power 
element and RS no longer carries that type of replacement element, and the 
Ungar replacements are like $18. I found that the standard tips burnt out 
quite quickly, while the clad tips lasted a good long time and were well 
worth the price. And when the tips started dying, they went pretty quickly!

JB

I will avoid cutting and pasting from every response, but will just respond.

I have three solder irons and no tips seem to last long for me.  I have an 
Ungar and just bought two Craftsman solder irons (30W and 45W) because I 
wanted to try nickel plated tips.  The 45W is too hot for PCB work, I figured 
I would try it on heavier wiring.  I have been using the 30W for PCB work.  
All my irons work fine as far as soldering.  Two of them are brand new 
afterall.  Just the tips desolve away too fast.  The tips only cost about 
$1.20 each, so it is no big deal if I need to replace one everyday.  It is 
just not very fun trying to solder small details and via holes when the tip 
isn't pointy, plus I have depleted Radio Shack's stock on tips.

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.

-Elhardt

> 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

The tips I bought for my Weller I think were about $5.50, and they last
forever, so it's probably worth the extra buckage for some good ones.

		-----Original Message-----
		The tips only cost about $1.20 each, so it is no big deal if
I need to replace one everyday.

As someone else here has said, something is definitely wrong. My tips last
years on my Weller station, and my Weller hand pencil.

OTOH, my well-meaning wife bought me an el cheapo soldering pencil after I
lost a heat element on my Weller. The tip lasted 15 minutes.

Have you checked your voltage coming out of the wall? It could be high,
aggravating your problem.

Dave Bradley
Principal Software Engineer
Engineering Animation, Inc.
daveb@...

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elhardt@... [mailto:Elhardt@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 1:17 AM
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: Re: [motm] Solder Tips, will Weller WP35 Tips last?
>
>
> From: Elhardt@...
>
> I will avoid cutting and pasting from every response, but will
> just respond.
>
> I have three solder irons and no tips seem to last long for me.
> I have an
> Ungar and just bought two Craftsman solder irons (30W and 45W) because I
> wanted to try nickel plated tips.  The 45W is too hot for PCB
> work, I figured
> I would try it on heavier wiring.  I have been using the 30W for
> PCB work.
> All my irons work fine as far as soldering.  Two of them are brand new
> afterall.  Just the tips desolve away too fast.  The tips only cost about
> $1.20 each, so it is no big deal if I need to replace one
> everyday.  It is
> just not very fun trying to solder small details and via holes
> when the tip
> isn't pointy, plus I have depleted Radio Shack's stock on tips.
>
> 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.
>
> -Elhardt
>
> >

jlarryh@... writes:

>>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 lived in L.A. there were plenty of electronics stores around.  Then I 
moved to the triangle area in North Carolina.  I have heard it called the 
"Second Silicon Valley" because of all the hightech companies here.  So you 
would think there would be some electronics stores besides Radio Shack.  Hell 
No!  It's ridiculous.  So I will have to stick with what I can buy through 
mail order.

>>Have you checked your voltage coming out of the wall? It could be high, 
aggravating your problem.<<

It measures at 121.4 volts.  But there is nothing I can do about that since I 
sold my variac (if I am remembering the name properly) years ago.  I'll 
probably just buy a Weller and hope it lasts.  Some people seem to be doing 
OK with Weller tips.  Maybe I should go with the 25 watt version so the tips 
don't get so hot.

-Elhardt