Posted by Tammy Reid on July 23, 2003 at 21:16:40:
In Reply to: Re: soldering iron cleaning posted by Sheri on July 23, 2003 at 10:05:27:
Rick,
I agree with Sheri. I use the Sal Ammoniac also. Also, if you to hobby lobby or a glass store you can buy a stand for your iron that has an area for your sponge. When I am soldering I clean my iron on the sponge. About every other soldering I use the Sal Ammoniac. Like she said you start to notice the iron not heating evenly and starting to get dark spots. Sal Ammoniac is very cheap and lasts forever also. You do not need very much. I rub the tip of the iron on the block about 3-4 times to a side, then I wipe it on the sponge and start soldering again.
good luck!
Tammy
: Hi, Rick -- During soldering, I "dust" the excess hot solder from the tip of the iron using a damp sponge. Rather than wipe the tip on the sponge, I use the sponge to lightly brush the excess solder off the tip, into the sponge tray. When the tip develops dark spots that heat unevenly and prevent the solder from melting, I rub the tip of the hot iron, together with a drop of solder, on a block of Sal Ammoniac (available in glass supply stores). The Sal Ammoniac causes the solder to adhere to the tip of the iron, returning it to its original bright finish. Hope this helps. I'll be interested to hear others' comments as well.
: Good luck!
: Sheri