Posted by Gary Dodge on January 23, 2003 at 02:26:56:
In Reply to: cleaning tip posted by Angel on January 22, 2003 at 15:12:29:
Angel,
I use Canfield Soldermate 11, (the second best flux I've ever worked with.) It runs a smoother shinier bead than Glastar without any residue and doesn't dry out on the work as fast, so I can flux an entire large panel before I start to solder.
As for the other stuff, If I'm running a bead on anything but a suncatcher I'll have my Hakko 456 running flat out at 100%. (I'd really rather be using a big 200 watt iron with a huge heat sink, but don't really want to hold one up anymore, I wind up with a stiff neck!) As for any damage the sal-ammoniac might do, an iron tip will typically last me about a year. I have no idea if anyone else gets one to last longer (I do a lot of work, not occasional hobby stuff.)
If wiping on towels would get me two years out of the same tip, who cares? I'd spend more time wiping than the cost of the tip. (and maybe that much again in paper towels;-)
GaryD
: Well, Gary, I've also used Sal ammoniac solution to clean a tip for many years. However, I wouldn't use it constantly while working. For one, Sal ammoniac is a corrosive substance and will erode a tip pretty fast when used often. I work with my Hakko 456 cranked up to around 90% for running a bead. That's pretty hot.
: I'm completely familiar with the jab technique of using Sal solution. Jabbing a hot tip in cold liquid will also cause problems if done frequently because the sudden drop in Temperature (no matter how fast you are) will cause stress cracks in the tip coating...allowing in flux....and it's bye-bye tip. I use the sal solution (never use the dry stuff because of fumes and abrasive property) when I need a heroic cleaning...like if I get careless and allow the Iron to idle for a long time without turning it down. It's great for this, but on an occasional basis. I probably do it about every 2 months....if that.
: This is just another point on which we must amiably disagree. So, what Flux do you use that leaves no "brown spots'? If it's Ruby flux...don't tell me...I can't live with the picture of the inside of anybody's sinuses after using that trash.