Copper will slowly dissolve in the solder, so not good for the long run but=
 wets ok and conducts heat well.
Steel will oxidise rapidly and probably not wet well.
I think bits are normally nickel plated copper, brass might be favorite if =
you tin it quickly on the first heating.
Good luck!

Robin.

> On 18 Jan 2017, at 00:55, David C Brown <dcb.home@gmail.com> wrote:
>=20
> I am having some difficulty sourcing bits or my Weller WS80 soldering
> iron.  My usual distributor only sells them in packs of ten and my
> alternative distributor only does them to order on several weeks lead
> time.  And in any case one really needs to look a bit before buying to se=
e
> if it is right for the job.
>=20
> So I wondered about making my own, turning in the lathe and a bit of fili=
ng.
>=20
> My main worry is what material to use.  Copper, brass and mild steel are
> readily available very cheaply, silver rather more expensive.  My gut
> feeling is that brass would be best.  Any experience advice would be
> welcome (Oh I am still using the old Savbit #1 Tin/Lead solder)
>=20
>=20
>=20
> __________________________________________
> David C Brown
> 43 Bings Road
> Whaley Bridge
> High Peak                           Phone: 01663 733236
> Derbyshire                eMail: dcb.home@gmail.com
> SK23 7ND          web: www.bings-knowle.co.uk/dcb
> <http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~dcb>
>=20
>=20
>=20
> *Sent from my etch-a-sketch*
> --=20
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> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist

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