MOTM

On Fri, 3 Aug 2001 jpotter@... wrote:

> How often should you replace soldering iron tips?  Is there some way
> to tell they're going?  If it matters - I've got a Weller WTCPT.

  If you don't use too hot an iron, the tip will last a long, long time.
My Weller I bought in 1984 got a new tip last year, mainly bacause I
wanted a narrower tip.  The old one is still quite usable.  Of course, I
do not run an iron above 600F (315C); in fact I usually set it to 550F.
Too hot and it runs the risk of burning up the PC board.  The usual
symptoms are pads and traces begin to lift from the board.  My old rule
is if the flux boils, the iron is too hot.

Crow

/**/

How often should you replace soldering iron tips?  Is there some way 
to tell they're going?  If it matters - I've got a Weller WTCPT.

Finished the 900 PSU, the 110 VCA/RM, the 820 Lag, and will be 
finishing up a 300 VCO this weekend.  Not too bad at all.  Neither 
the 110 or 820 worked 100% right away but didn't take too much 
troubleshooting to remedy.  Thanks for everyone's help.

JP