Some time ago, I added the Weller WM120 to my collection of soldering irons. It comes equipped with the MP 131 tip which is a conical shaped 0.38 mm tip.
After some extensive use, I had to replace the tip because it essentially disintegrated, getting smaller and smaller with each use. So, I have now ordered another MP 131 tip.
I assume that I am doing something wrong with the way that I use and maintain this tip. So, here are my questions about the way that I use this soldering iron.
At the beginning of each use, I spread solder on the heated tip.
During use, I frequently clean the tip with a wet cloth.
I keep the soldering iron plugged in for extensive periods of time.
Does any or all of these actions accelerate the wear and tear on the thin tip?
I bought the soldering iron at the beginning of 2018 when I started my new layout. I essentially used it to solder feeder wires to each section of track on a fairly large layout. When I was done with the feeder wires, the tip was pretty worn down, so I replaced it with a new tip at the beginning of 2019. During 2019, I have essentially used the soldering iron to wire resistors to signal wires on approximately 60 signals. I just completed this project, and the tip has worn down, so I just ordered a new tip once again.
So, this could be considered normal wear and tear?
On my larger soldering irons, I have not had this problem. But, the Weller MP 131 tip is fairly thin and comes to a fine point, so it does appear fragile even when new.
I would say that about a year is normal for the small tip if you leave it on several hours per day.
I get about 18 months from my tiny tips.
This tip has about 30 hours on it, I replaced this one about 6 months ago.
The Iron is an MPJA 301A. The iron holder has a sponge (damp) for cleaning the tip. I keep an open can of Solder Paste next to the iron holder and constantly dip the tip in the rosin paste and a bit of solder to refresh the tip.
This particular iron heats quickly so I only turn it on when I need it. I haven’t timed the turn on to soldering but it’s about 3 minutes to 750°.
I’ve been using this iron that way for 12 years and it has done exceptionally well, it came with 10 replacement tips and I still have 6 left after 12 years.
I have heard of accelerated wear* caused by the rapid cooling of the tip when you swipe it across the damp sponge. I have taken to using the brass-wool type more often these days.
From the Weller link above
Frequent wiping with a damp sponge causes repeated changes in temperature, causing the tip to expand and contract repeatedly. This cycle causes metal fatigue and eventually the failure of the tip.
Thanks. Yeah, I wasn’t convinced that the soldering iron was plugged in too long and thereby generating excessive heat. But, I decided to ask to get opinions on my method of use.
On the one hand, it does seems normal for soldering iron tips to deteriorate over time. On the other hand, as I read through the do’s and don’ts, I do recognize that I could do a better job in maintaining the tips.
I agree with the info on the Digi-Key and Weller sites but that has never worked for me. I’m kinda stuck in the way I solder mainly because after doing it “my way” has worked for over 60 years. I agree that the damp sponge dings the tip quicker but that has always worked better for me.
Definitely ditch the sponge and get the brass wool type of cleaner. It’s all I have on my soldering station. All I do is poke the tip in it a quick couple of times and it’s cleaned off. Poke, poke, no slower than wiping it on a sponge. And when unplugging for the night, put a blob of solder on the tip to coat it.
The rest is pretty much just how it is for a plain iron that heats perpetually when it is plugged in. My soldering station - I bought that at least 11 years ago now, and it’s STILL on the original tip!
I’ve been doing it “My Way” toooo long to change now. Just for kicks I found this picture with a Google search on the Weller site.
Notice the sponge.
I don’t disagree with you at all, but I have done it so long using the damp sponge why change now? My uncle taught me how to solder in 1945 and it’s way too late for me to change.
Of the three actions that I mentioned in my initial post, it is the use of a wet sponge or cloth that I wondered about the most. I think that I will ditch it in favor of brass wool.
Perfect, one of the related items was a 10 pack of replacement wool. After 11 years, mine’s getting a bit crudded up, and on the rare times I actually go to the supermarket, I keep forgetting to pick up one (they’re sold to clean copper pots - steel wool would just cut right through a copper pot - and the only way to get a proper cup of coffee is with a proper copper coffee pot (someone with kids in their mid-20’s might recognize that line)). Of course, a 10 pack of replacements is probably a lifetime supply. The stand that came with my soldering station is quite heavy and stays put - though ironically the feet slide a little easier on my anti-static mat than they do on the actual desktop. They did sell the stand separately at one time, it would hold most smaller pencil irons and it a lot better then those plastic and wire stands, but it is meant for the handpiece of a soldering station, and in addition to the stand and metal wool it also has space for spare tips.
