soldering question

[remise]

For those experienced armorers that solder a lot (or at least frequently), I use a 'stick' type of soldering tool, and it worked great for a long time. Now, suddenly, it doesn't want to work at all. I see the LED on and the base is hot, but the tip is not even melting the solder. Can anyone tell me why, and/or if there is anything I can do other than purchase another?

[Morion]

If by "stick" you mean a regular soldering iron as opposed to the gun type then I need to know if it is wired into a base that allows you to adjust the temperature. If it is part of a base unit then it could either be that the base is not supplying enough power or the heating element has gone bad. If the soldering iron can be plugged into a wall socket directly try that to see if it gets hot enough. If it has a temperature adjustment then check to be sure that is turned up high enough.

[remise]

This 'wand' type of soldering iron does not have an adjustable heating range. You simply plug it in, and that's it. I'm sort of suspicious also that it may be burned out. I have had it for more than a year, and I've used it quite a bit. I believe it's a WELLER.

[Morion]

It soulds like your heating element is used up then. They do go bad occasionally. Weller is a good brand. If you look up your model you might be able to get a replacement but soldering irons aren't really all that expensive so you might be better off just buying a new one.

[Morion]

Here, try this link. It might get you started anyway:

http://www.allspec.com/start/weller....OVMTC=standard

[remise]

That's what I was afraid of. You sort of get attached to a particular piece of equipment - and I know I've been lugging this one around for a while. I started getting suspicious when it wouldn't even melt the lead-free solder, but by Cold Heat gun did the job with no problem.

[penguin_2000]

Is it not heating up at all, or not getting hot enough to melt solder? Sometimes the tip can get oxidized badly or gunked up (read: plastic from 3-prong sockets). Before you chuck the thing, take a coarse file and file the tip until it is nice and shiny. If that doesn't work, replace the tip... Its worth a few bucks to experiment before tossing it out all-together.

BTW, Radio Shack accepts returns of open items as long as you have the packaging, so you could try to replace the tip, and then return it if it doesn't work.

Good luck.

[DHCJr]

Penguin 2000 suggestion is good. Make sure the tip is clean both ends. Most of those have a tip that screws in, which is good because you can replace it. It is also bad, in that it can become loose, just a little will stop it working or there may be junk in the threads. Try loosening it up and then tightening again after filing off the tip and see if that helps.

[penguin_2000]

Speaking of soldering... and DHC, you may know... where is a good source for those soulder ring/tabs for the uhlmann socket ends? No Radio Shack I've gone to has them...

[ThatReallyHurt]

You may have some luck with Digi-key, but you may want to find some other people and buy in a group...

[fencerbill]

When you say stick type of soldering iron, that still leaves two possibilities.

The screw in electronic type. They sell a paste that you are supposed to put on the threads to make sure you have good thermal contact. Just from superstition, unscrew the tip and where you can, wire brush the threads. then retighten.

The heavier type typically used to solder strips. The armorers at NACs used to use them until we got the platform strips. Again it can be a case of dissimilar metal corrosion. the stick is usually held in with a screw. Loosen and tighten the screw. It can work wonders. With the 100 watt or heavier irons it has to be done almost every time you heat the iron up.

With regard to filing tips. If it is a copper rod, fine. But if it is nickel plated you have just about ruined the tip. With plated tips heat it up and wipe with a sponge dampened with water. Then coat the tip with rosin flux solder. wipe again and repeat a couple of times and it will work fine for a while.

[fencinman89]

Penguin, you can get those tabs from Swordmasters, I believe Scott special orders em from a company in France, because no one in the States makes em.
-Tre'

[penguin_2000]

Penguin, you can get those tabs from Swordmasters, I believe Scott special orders em from a company in France, because no one in the States makes em.
-Tre'

Thanks. I can't find it on the site, tho... could you provide a link?

I also just noticed that LP has them on their site 5 for $.35 Can't beat that with a stick!