Hi Ron:
In keeping with this thread I wonder if the tools used are as much at
fault as the technique?
I use a Weller WTCPN station with 60/40 solder and a fine tip, and
find that the plated tips seem to "lose" their tinning and have to be
swiped through the sponge and a bit of solder applied.
As a matter of procedure, I 'swipe' the tip of my iron every time I
pick it up to solder a joint... though I may solder several
connections in a single pass (e.g. an IC). I don't use a sponge,
however. I use a 'curly' stainless steel kitchen pot 'scrubbie' and
need only to plunge the tip down into the scrubbie to clean it off
without losing any of the tip temp to the moisture of a damp sponge.
See: http://www.n0ss.net/soldering_iron_tip_cleaner.pdf
Given that time has moved on is there a better, moderately-priced
instrument available for this type of construction? 230v of course ;-)
Though I personally prefer the Hakko 936-x series of T/C irons, I
can't think of a single reason that the WTCPN should be entirely
adequate for the job.
From my own experience I've found that the eyes aren't what they
used to be and I too find myself going over joints. Having recently
invested in an illuminated magnifier lamp I find I don't have to do
this as much as I used to, but its still a problem. Is our aging
profile in the hobby also contributing to this?
To some extend... IF we don't recognize where a little 'help' can be
used to our advantage, it probably is.
Cheers,
Tom N0SS
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