So I find myself standing at my soldering table more often than not these days. Being self taught, I think it's time to start seeking advice from others who solder WAY more than I do.
Here's my situation: I purchased an el cheapo soldering station that does offer variable temperature control.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/sho...00&FTR=374-100&CFID=22516349&CFTOKEN=66282717
Not a bad little unit, actually. I bought spare tips for it right away. I'm using the smallest diameter pencil tip, and it's been pretty easy to work with.
I have a few questions now that I've used this soldering iron about a dozen times. I know I need to be mindful of temperature and tip care, but I'm not exactly sure how I should best be caring for it. I feel like the tip I have doesn't perform as well as it did when I first got it -- almost like it's not geting hot enough any more. Have I been using the iron too hot? Have I cooked the tip to the point that it's damaged?
If I do need to get new tips, what should I be doing to ensure that they stay in good shape? Is it ever acceptable to walk away from the iron for 10 or 15 minutes at a time while it's on? Should I be turning it off? How often should I be swabbing it with the sponge? Not a good idea (heat shock)?
Sorry to pound this thread right away with a ton of questions, but I'm very quickly realizing that there's an art form with soldering -- and a WIDE range of skill level with this. I used to be 'that guy' with the big black gun style iron poking around in minute areas where he shouldn't be. Now I own a relatively decent desoldering pump, and an entry level soldering station. What's the best way for me to keep my tools in good running condition?
Here's my situation: I purchased an el cheapo soldering station that does offer variable temperature control.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/sho...00&FTR=374-100&CFID=22516349&CFTOKEN=66282717
Not a bad little unit, actually. I bought spare tips for it right away. I'm using the smallest diameter pencil tip, and it's been pretty easy to work with.
I have a few questions now that I've used this soldering iron about a dozen times. I know I need to be mindful of temperature and tip care, but I'm not exactly sure how I should best be caring for it. I feel like the tip I have doesn't perform as well as it did when I first got it -- almost like it's not geting hot enough any more. Have I been using the iron too hot? Have I cooked the tip to the point that it's damaged?
If I do need to get new tips, what should I be doing to ensure that they stay in good shape? Is it ever acceptable to walk away from the iron for 10 or 15 minutes at a time while it's on? Should I be turning it off? How often should I be swabbing it with the sponge? Not a good idea (heat shock)?
Sorry to pound this thread right away with a ton of questions, but I'm very quickly realizing that there's an art form with soldering -- and a WIDE range of skill level with this. I used to be 'that guy' with the big black gun style iron poking around in minute areas where he shouldn't be. Now I own a relatively decent desoldering pump, and an entry level soldering station. What's the best way for me to keep my tools in good running condition?

