I don't remember who put forth the suggestion of using a copper pot scrubber (one made of copper, not necessarily just for copper pots) to clean the unspeakably gross crud that collects on a soldering iron tip, but it works! ... Thanks to the masked man (or woman). 73, Bob WA4FOM I believe that was the tireless and ever-inventive Tom, N0SS. Ron AC7AC K2 # 1289