kben@DCA.NET wrote:
> I am using
> a 30 W iron from Radio Shack, and rosin core solder. The
> problem is the tip gets a build up on it after a few uses
> and no longer conducts heat. How do I prevent this ?

The problem is that the thin coat of solder on the tip is oxidizing.
Unfortunately the oxide doesn't conduct heat as well as the metal, there is
no wetting action, and fresh solder won't stick to it.  In your case the
problem is made worse because the iron receives 30W of heat whether it needs
it or not.  That makes the tip much hotter than it should be most of the
time, which speeds up the oxidation process.

I definitely recommend a temperature controlled iron kept at around 600degF
for normal operation.  However, this alone only reduces the problem, not fix
it.  Eventually the solder on the tip will oxidize no matter what you do.
If you don't let it build up too much, it can be wiped off with a damp cloth
or sponge right before use.  I automatically swipe my iron over the sponge
every time I pick it up.

You will also need to periodically "tin" the tip.  This means giving it a
fresh coat of clean solder.  First wipe the tip to get rid of as much oxide
as possible, then put some new solder directly on the tip.  The flux in the
solder will help clean it.  Apply enough new solder so that every part of
the tip looks nice and shiny.  Most of the fresh solder will actually drip
off.  This is normal.  Gently wipe after done.  Repeat when needed.


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