Jeanne and David teach how to extend the life of the soldering iron you have by keeping the tip from getting frozen. We show how to get extra use out of an old iron whose tip is worn.
Thanks so much for these tips! Do you recommend using a tinning block? I've been using a tip tinner but I'm thinking about trying a tinning block instead.
I noticed that you always have your zinc borders cut at 90 degrees rather than 45 where the edge would not show. Could you explain your thinking on that
It's easier and I fill edges with solder when it's a problem. Many times we install the framed piece into a wooden frame and no one sees, the corners. A soldered corner looks every bit as finished as a mitered one and the way the solder is applied, a mitered corner is covered with the solder anyhow. If you then use the edge of the saw blade as a guide, the 90 degree cut is slick and quick.
I bought a new tip but it has a red coating on it. There aren't any instructions on what to do with this coating. Do you just tin over that or try to peel it off?
You asked if we tin our tips and the answer is.. only when doing that radical method of extending the life of the tip. Normally, tips nowadays come pre-tinned so it's not necessary.
This is why files were invented, easier to use and control. Remove only the material you want to remove (avoiding grinding off a good chuck of your iron as well). Inexpensive to buy. The money saved from not buying a very expensive large powered belt sanders you could buy an entire fancy stain glass set up, equipment, table, and top-of-line gear. Oh! well to each their own.
Tossed them out years ago. They all still got hot, the tips were just frozen. I even drilled out set screws and replaced with larger ones. That worked 1 out of 5 times but wasn't worth the time spent. Now I just use a different more expense brand as a shop iron and then still use the cheaper ones for workshops. 👍
