[Milsurplus] Weller Iron Frustrations

[C.Whitaker]

de WB2CPN,
Like Mike, me too.
Weller guns are very functional, easier and quicker to
heat up and cool down.
I have been making my own tips for years now.
Enameled copper wire, 2.42 Cm, .095 in, close to 3/32.
Somebody once said #9 AWG.  It wasn't me.
Came from some ham radio flea market.
Copper runs, so tighten the screws now and then.
(I scrape both ends, and an inch in the middle, then use
a small hammer to make a sharp, tight fold at the middle.
When the tip burns open, have a replacement near.)
73  Clete
P.S.  You want a couple of pieces of wire to try?
Also, Weller guns are good for removing the magnetic
field around drill bits and screwdrivers.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On 5/14/2013 8:38 AM, Mike Feher wrote:
> 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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