On Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:15:10 -0700, isw wrote:

I have been using properly shaped lengths of #12 copper wire as tips for
my Weller for years. True, they don't last as long, but they are a whole
lot less expen$ive than the "real thing". At first use, heat a new tip
slowly and carefully (so it won't oxidize), and tin it quickly but
thoroughly.

You might try plating iron onto the copper wi
http://www.finishing.com/379/18.shtml
I haven't tried this, mostly because I don't need it, but it does look
like one can make a somewhat better tip with this method.

If you want longer life, there's nickel, on tungsten-cobalt, on
copper:
http://www.google.com/patents/US3080842



--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558