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There are some here who say to file a solder tip and there are those who say never to do it. The key to whether or not to file is the type of tip you are dealing with. The iron plated tips should never be filed unless they are so old that the plating has gone away, it is pitted badly, and you need to get that last job done before you get a new tip. Straight copper tips however pit very quickly and will need a light dressing of filing (or sanding) often. The more often you file (or sand), the faster the tip disappears. In either case, a damp sponge to clean the tip while in use and keeping the tip tinned will result in the tip lasting as long as it can. I also agree with those who say to get the tip tinned as soon as you can get solder to melt onto it. Letting a "naked" tip heat up to full operating temp will result in oxides that don't allow easy soldering and may be difficult to remove without damaging the tip. Make sure the parts you are trying to solder are clean and the flux, either in the solder or added externally, is correct for the material and application. Also try not to breathe the fumes coming off the project. They aren't very healthy for you. An exhaust fan, a breeze blowing the fumes away from you, and/or a respirator are all good ideas.
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