How to prep a brand-new soldering iron?

birchoak

Hi-Fi Nut
Just got a replacement iron for my Stahl Tools TCSS. Oh, so shiny and new! I want to prep it right and use it right, so there it sits until I hear back from the experts.

1) Best way to tin it the first time? Am I supposed to use plumber's acid paste for this?
2) Are you supposed to use deionized water on your sponge?
3) Essential to tin tip immediately prior to shut-off/storage?
4) Suggested temperatures for various soldering tasks?
5) Most important DON'TS?

Yes, I wear pants or at least try to when soldering.
 
Use a good tinning/cleaning paste Hakko makes the best I have seen its like $5
I use R/O water on my sponge but I normally use a brass wire sponge (no water needed) The thermal shock of the cold water will decrease tip life
I usually tin my tip at shut down to prevent oxidation
Temp is depending on your iron,tip and what you are soldering.
My don't tip is don't forget to unplug what you are working on. :) ask me why
 
I use a Hakko 951 everyday - most days it's on for between 5-6 hours.

I turn it on - I solder - then I turn it off.

I clean the tip before each joint on the brass wire sponge

Tips last for about 1-1/2 years - longer for tips I use less

750C is my normal temperature

Chris
 
I use a Hakko 951 everyday - most days it's on for between 5-6 hours.

I turn it on - I solder - then I turn it off.

I clean the tip before each joint on the brass wire sponge

Tips last for about 1-1/2 years - longer for tips I use less

750C is my normal temperature

Chris

Spell check on the Temp.

We are all sure he means °F as most units don't do 750°C and steel would be dull red hot
 
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Good video from Mr Carlson's lab on how to prep a new iron and solder properly


He has other good videos on other solder subjects if needed.
 
I run old Wellers. OLD ones.

I use a brass pad, a wet sponge, my pants to wipe the tip.

I buy lead based solder (old school) off Ebay in bulk.

I avoid acid Rosen but have some for bitch work at times. Then I clean the tip well.

Tips last for years and I use them almost every day. Iron on for hours.

The iron coating on the tips is pretty durable.

I read that you should wipe and coat the tip with solder to store but never do. They also said don’t wipe to store, leave it coated and wipe before use when starting. Whatever.
 
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