Some time ago, I added the Weller WM120 to my collection of soldering irons. It comes equipped with the MP 131 tip which is a conical shaped 0.38 mm tip.
After some extensive use, I had to replace the tip because it essentially disintegrated, getting smaller and smaller with each use. So, I have now ordered another MP 131 tip.
I assume that I am doing something wrong with the way that I use and maintain this tip. So, here are my questions about the way that I use this soldering iron.
1. At the beginning of each use, I spread solder on the heated tip.
2. During use, I frequently clean the tip with a wet cloth.
3. I keep the soldering iron plugged in for extensive periods of time.
Does any or all of these actions accelerate the wear and tear on the thin tip?
Rich
Alton Junction
when you say 'extensive', what time frame do you mean ??
In my experience, soldering iron tips normally wear down over time. I am always sure to have a couple of spares handy.
wvg_ca when you say 'extensive', what time frame do you mean ??
nycmodel In my experience, soldering iron tips normally wear down over time. I am always sure to have a couple of spares handy.
On my larger soldering irons, I have not had this problem. But, the Weller MP 131 tip is fairly thin and comes to a fine point, so it does appear fragile even when new.
Thanks, Mel, that is helpful information.
your useage isn't excessive by any means ... i -assumed- leaving it on 12 hours a day, and replacing a tip every month ...
your's is quite a bit less than that, but you should keep a tip or two on hand as spares when you decide to change them out ..
From the horse's mouth, as they say:
https://www.weller-tools.com/how-to-care-for-soldering-iron-tips/
I have heard of accelerated wear* caused by the rapid cooling of the tip when you swipe it across the damp sponge. I have taken to using the brass-wool type more often these days.
* From the Weller link above
Frequent wiping with a damp sponge causes repeated changes in temperature, causing the tip to expand and contract repeatedly. This cycle causes metal fatigue and eventually the failure of the tip.
Another good source:
https://forum.digikey.com/t/how-to-clean-tin-and-maintain-soldering-iron-tip/2006
Good luck, Ed
wvg_ca your useage isn't excessive by any means ... i -assumed- leaving it on 12 hours a day, and replacing a tip every month ... your's is quite a bit less than that, but you should keep a tip or two on hand as spares when you decide to change them out ..
RR_Mel I should have posted the picture below, it’s a close up of approximately 30 hours on the tip. Notice the slight narrowing of the tip between the solder and the iron. A fresh tip is not narrowed.
Ed, those two links were most helpful.
On the one hand, it does seems normal for soldering iron tips to deteriorate over time. On the other hand, as I read through the do's and don'ts, I do recognize that I could do a better job in maintaining the tips.
gmpullman From the horse's mouth, as they say: https://www.weller-tools.com/how-to-care-for-soldering-iron-tips/ I have heard of accelerated wear* caused by the rapid cooling of the tip when you swipe it across the damp sponge. I have taken to using the brass-wool type more often these days. * From the Weller link above Frequent wiping with a damp sponge causes repeated changes in temperature, causing the tip to expand and contract repeatedly. This cycle causes metal fatigue and eventually the failure of the tip. Another good source: https://forum.digikey.com/t/how-to-clean-tin-and-maintain-soldering-iron-tip/2006 Good luck, Ed
Definitely ditch the sponge and get the brass wool type of cleaner. It's all I have on my soldering station. All I do is poke the tip in it a quick couple of times and it's cleaned off. Poke, poke, no slower than wiping it on a sponge. And when unplugging for the night, put a blob of solder on the tip to coat it.
The rest is pretty much just how it is for a plain iron that heats perpetually when it is plugged in. My soldering station - I bought that at least 11 years ago now, and it's STILL on the original tip!
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Definitely ditch the sponge and get the brass wool type of cleaner.
Definitely ditch the sponge and get the brass wool type of cleaner.
richhotrainI think that I will ditch it in favor of brass wool.
I have a couple holders like this:
https://tinyurl.com/wjbzrwb
I added a hefty flat washer in the bottom half otherwise it is too light and wanders around the bench.
Regards, Ed
Perfect, one of the related items was a 10 pack of replacement wool. After 11 years, mine's getting a bit crudded up, and on the rare times I actually go to the supermarket, I keep forgetting to pick up one (they're sold to clean copper pots - steel wool would just cut right through a copper pot - and the only way to get a proper cup of coffee is with a proper copper coffee pot (someone with kids in their mid-20's might recognize that line)). Of course, a 10 pack of replacements is probably a lifetime supply. The stand that came with my soldering station is quite heavy and stays put - though ironically the feet slide a little easier on my anti-static mat than they do on the actual desktop. They did sell the stand separately at one time, it would hold most smaller pencil irons and it a lot better then those plastic and wire stands, but it is meant for the handpiece of a soldering station, and in addition to the stand and metal wool it also has space for spare tips.