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Smitty Two

In article ,
wrote:

How do you know when your soldering iron is tinned?
I keep mine plugged in for 5-10 minutes then when I try tin it, the
solder beads up and just drips offs. It doesn't seem to "wet" the
tip.
Is it suppose to wet the tip of the soldering iron?

I'm using non lead solder, 95%Sn, 5% Sb (Tin/Antimony).
Rosin core.

Also, when 1 solder two wires together, I twist the wires together,
then hold the iron to one side of the wire and hold the solder to the
opposite site. The wire should get hot and soak up the solder, right?
I've been practicing but it seems to be hit or miss so far.

Bonnie

1. get some real solder, 63% tin, 37% lead
2. get some liquid flux in a little dispenser bottle with a tiny
capillary needle. put a drop on the joint.
3. you don't "tin" tips anymore, you throw them away and get a new,
shiny one.
4. crank up the heat to 800 degrees F.
5. yes, use the damp sponge to frequently wipe the hot tip.
6. unless someone has been soldering for a living longer than i have (25
years) don't listen to them when they tell you that you don't need the
liquid flux. just get it. kester 1544 is a good formula.