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Vintage Test Gear and Workshop Equipment For discussions about vintage test gear and workshop equipment such as coil winders. |
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20th Apr 2018, 1:57 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1,181
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How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
I have a Rawlplug Mark 4 soldering iron that I like to use for tackling solder that won't melt with my 25W iron.
The large, chisel shaped tip is good on one surface but a bit worse for wear on the others. What would be the best way to restore the condition of the tip? |
20th Apr 2018, 2:11 pm | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,947
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
I would leave that alone. It doesn't look too bad, and you won't be using it for precision work.
You can sometimes file bits down, but it depends on the bit construction. Only do it as a last resort. |
20th Apr 2018, 3:52 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ayr, Ayrshire, UK.
Posts: 631
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
I use Multicore Tip Tinner / Cleaner :-
http://cpc.farnell.com/multicore-sol...gdom%2Fsearch# |
21st Apr 2018, 6:31 am | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK.
Posts: 7,662
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
Kitchen scouring pads, the non soap filled kind get tips clean. Wouldn't file that one, it looks in good nick.
A.
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22nd Apr 2018, 10:25 am | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK.
Posts: 1,181
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
With the mention of kitchen scouring pads I thought that I should try some fine grit sandpaper.
I gave the tip a good rub down. Most of the black tarnish eventually came off. Once the iron was up to its operating temperature it readily accepted solder and the tip was tinned without trouble. Does anybody know the wattage of this iron and how old it might be? |
22nd Apr 2018, 11:00 am | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,947
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
Probably 1960s and around 100W. Irons of this type weren't intended for electronic work.
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22nd Apr 2018, 1:04 pm | #7 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: West London, UK.
Posts: 665
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
Hi OldTech,
(for future reference) you mention 'Large Chisel shaped Tip' yet there is nothing in any of your Photos to give an indication of scale / size. When necessary, I do this by including an open Imperial and Metric Tape Measure in the Photo. Regards - Mike |
22nd Apr 2018, 6:29 pm | #8 |
Octode
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ayrshire, UK.
Posts: 1,096
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Re: How to clean the tip of an old soldering iron?
Or even a piece of common currency such as a 50p piece or £1 coin for scale.
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