11-25-2015, 12:14 PM
(11-25-2015, 11:10 AM)arvidj Wrote: Willie,
Over the years I've replaced several tips but never had to replace a barrel assembly or anything else.
The tips were replaced after what I considered reasonable wear, tear and users inability to insure the tip was tinned. I also changed how I used the iron. In the past I would simply 'leave it on' when soldering a board, which meant that it would be hot but unused for long intervals [10 to 30 minutes] while I did other things and them resume soldering. Now I make sure I have tinned the tip and then shut it off if it will not be used immediately. Yes, that means that I have to turn it on for the next 'soldering session' but it comes up to temperature [600+ F] in what seems like less than a minute.
So the incantation is "populate the board, turn soldering station on, put board into PCB holder ... https://panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1...udatarq=25 ..., clean tip with this ... https://www.radioshack.com/products/radi...5717831429 ..., put on magnifying lense, solder components, clean and tin tip, turn off soldering station, wash, rinse, repeat."
As a side note I'm in the process of converting to SMT and just replaced a DIY toaster re-flow oven with a real ... at least in terms of hobby use ... re-flow oven. Bev decided the DIY version gave off strange odors and forced [yeah, that's the term I will use ;-}] me to get a real one.
Arvid
Arvid, the reason I have had to replace so many tips and barrels is because something in the magnet "system" sticks on occasion, and overheats the iron. The heating element swells and the nut on the barrel assy galls the threads... yada, yada, yada.
That is how I learned to turn mine off during long sessions. 
I'm just to the point where I am tired of having to deal with it now.
I have the same Panavise and board holder! Same Radio Shack tinning/cleaner paste too.
Ed, it looks like the "refresh" function in FIREFOX took care of my browser problem....
Willie