Originally Posted By: Reddy45
OH yeah the tips on these cheap soldering irons don't last at all. I keep the very tip of mine tinned enough to work for the next time, but the rest of the iron is just corroded from heat.
I may actually pick up a rechargeable Hakko since the battery tech now gets them pretty dang hot and the lack of cords means no tripping/fire hazard.
Mine was actually pretty high quality. This was early 80s and Rat Shack was sourcing these soldering irons and tips from a Japanese manufacturer. However, I was 12 and had no idea what I was doing. I didn't have a cleaning sponge or solder suction remover. I didn't use flux. I just left it there on the stand long enough that the tip just started wearing away.
OH yeah the tips on these cheap soldering irons don't last at all. I keep the very tip of mine tinned enough to work for the next time, but the rest of the iron is just corroded from heat.
I may actually pick up a rechargeable Hakko since the battery tech now gets them pretty dang hot and the lack of cords means no tripping/fire hazard.
Mine was actually pretty high quality. This was early 80s and Rat Shack was sourcing these soldering irons and tips from a Japanese manufacturer. However, I was 12 and had no idea what I was doing. I didn't have a cleaning sponge or solder suction remover. I didn't use flux. I just left it there on the stand long enough that the tip just started wearing away.