[Vanhackspace] Solder woes. WAS: fuzebox

[John Howard]

The tips for my old Weller are nickel plated copper. The solder I've
been using is WS700 (I started with a 1LB spool). I got some
flux/cleaner from Lee's the other day which seems to help... but upon
rereading the solder specs http://www.qualitek.com/SnAgCu_WS700_TDS.pdf)
it says I need to clean with 60'c water... ? Anyone had to clean their
tips or their work with hot water after soldering?

> If the tips are copper corrosion is normal. Just keep filing them to the
> shape that you want and retin afterwards. If the tips are steel clad then
> they should last for months with minimal corrosion unless your tip is
> getting really hot. I wouldn't expect this with a 25 watter though.
> Temperature controlled is the way to go for many more reasons than just
> tip life. Buy a decent station like the Weller an it will last you a
> lifetime.
> 
> I'm assuming that you are only using resin based solders. Don't use
> anything with acid in it unless you are a plumber.
> 
> 
>> http://www.belogic.com/uzebox/
>>> But first I need a new soldering iron tip - the flux keeps corroding my
>>> tips! It's a 25w iron... could it be too hot? I'm thining of getting a
>>> 'light dimmer cable' (7$?) and run it cooler. Any ideas?
>>>