[Milsurplus] Weller Iron Frustrations

[Mike Feher]

I have been using the Weller 8200 guns since the late 50's, and still do,
and never had an issue. Even made my own tips when I could not afford new
ones. Fortunately I have tons of the old good solder, HI. 73 - Mike

Mike B. Feher, N4FS
89 Arnold Blvd.
Howell, NJ, 07731
732-886-5960 

-----Original Message-----
From: milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:milsurplus-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Gentry
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 8:20 AM
To: Milsurplus at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] Weller Iron Frustrations

On 5/14/13 7:48 AM, David Stinson wrote:
> Re:  Weller Iron Frustrations
>
> We've discussed this before, but I'm hoping some new ideas have evolved.
>
> Weller soldering irons with the copper tips make me want to pull my 
> hair out- both of them.
> The copper tips will make about two joints before they go Hi-Z at the 
> tip connection points.  I have to either tap the tip several times or 
> re-tighten the tip mounting set screws to break the oxide barrier and 
> get decent heat.
>
> Is there some kind of compound I can put on a new tip to prevent this?  
> I've thought of maybe stuffing the tip sockets with solderwick or 
> something.... anything... to keep decent contact for more than two or 
> three joints.
> Gotta get two more kids raised before a hot-air station is realistic 
> and I don't think it works all that spiffy on our kind of joints, 
> anyway.
>
> Ideas?
>
> 73 Dave S.
>
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I have had good results using the gray electrician's anti-oxide paste on the
nuts, barrels, and bends of the tips where they get clamped. It reduces
oxide film as it is intended to,  lubricates the threads on the tip nuts so
more of the tightening torque is devoted to clamping and less to thread
friction, and increases conductivety in the threads so the nuts are carrying
their share of the current to the tip and not just the barrels. I also
developed the skill many years ago of switching from high to low heat and/or
briefly to off to regulate the tip temperature.  The solders of today,
especially the low or no lead alloys, are far more difficult to use and need
higher temperatures.  
Also there is less flux in most of today's  solders, and it isn't as good as
the older blends.

     Bruce gentry, KA2IVY
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