Weller WTCPT tip longevity

[jeffrey741]

I use a PTF7 solder tip on my WTCPT and recently found that after about
5 minutes of use, the tip suddenly starts to develop a thick char at the
end and makes the solder turn dark. I replaced the tip with a newer one
(<5 hours of use) and the same thing happens to that one. I will next
try a brand new tip to see if the same thing happens. Either the problem
is with the tip or it is with the heater/barrel nut assembly
contaminating the tip. Has anyone experienced the same thing? How long
should a typical solder tip last? Has anyone found a tip cleaning or
storage method that helps prolong tip life?

Thanks.
Jeff Fedison in Niskayuna, NY
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[Bob Baxter-3]

On 1/10/06, [hidden email] <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I use a PTF7 solder tip on my WTCPT and recently found that after about
> 5 minutes of use, the tip suddenly starts to develop a thick char at the
> end and makes the solder turn dark.

I use a Brillo pot scrubber (copper, not plastic).  Just stick the tip
in and work it up and down 3 or 4 times.  Works real fine, lasts a
long time.

Bob Baxter AA7EQ
Walnut Ridge, Ar.
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[Tom McCulloch]

Me too, I stuck the pad in an old plastic cup a long time ago and haven't
had a problem since
Tom
WB2QG
K2 1103
Long Island, NY


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Baxter" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 10:45 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Weller WTCPT tip longevity


On 1/10/06, [hidden email] <[hidden email]> wrote:
> I use a PTF7 solder tip on my WTCPT and recently found that after about
> 5 minutes of use, the tip suddenly starts to develop a thick char at the
> end and makes the solder turn dark.

I use a Brillo pot scrubber (copper, not plastic).  Just stick the tip
in and work it up and down 3 or 4 times.  Works real fine, lasts a
long time.

Bob Baxter AA7EQ
Walnut Ridge, Ar.
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[Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/KC8NHF]

The tip will last until the iron coating wears through and the copper
slug physically erodes.
I would suspect that the switch contacts in the handle of your iron have
broken or welded closed.
If viewed in the dark, an "always on" TCP will get red hot.


[hidden email] wrote:

>I use a PTF7 solder tip on my WTCPT and recently found that after about
>5 minutes of use, the tip suddenly starts to develop a thick char at the
>end and makes the solder turn dark. I replaced the tip with a newer one
>(<5 hours of use) and the same thing happens to that one. I will next
>try a brand new tip to see if the same thing happens. Either the problem
>is with the tip or it is with the heater/barrel nut assembly
>contaminating the tip. Has anyone experienced the same thing? How long
>should a typical solder tip last? Has anyone found a tip cleaning or
>storage method that helps prolong tip life?
>
>Thanks.
>Jeff Fedison in Niskayuna, NY
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>
>  
>

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