Tip activator quick question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: MrAureliusR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 17, 2013, 04:15:56 pm
content: I just got this from element14:http://canada.newark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=15003&langId=1&urlRequestType=Base&partNumber=58M1909&storeId=10196When I ordered it, as you can see, nowhere on the page does it say 'lead-free' or anything like that. The tin that showed up, though, has LEAD-FREE in big letters on it, and the datasheet for this product does indeed say, near the bottom, contains no lead.Is this okay to use with my main iron that I use leaded solder with? Or is this for tips that are used with lead-free solder? Nowhere on the datasheet or the product page does it specify what kind of soldering iron to use it with, except of course "Weller branded" ones. Obviously it'll help prevent oxides from building up either way, so I figure it's probably the same activator for both leaded and unleaded tips?Thanks!

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2013, 06:09:07 pm
content: Lead-free is primarily all you'll find. Shouldn't be needed all that often anyway (just help salvage/extend the life of tips, not as your standard tinning method).BTW, I have the same product and it's not been an issue (getting the metal can open OTOH...). Just rinse the tip with your lead alloy solder before using it on any joints if you're that concerned over an unpredictable alloy the first few joints.Out of curiosity, I searched for 63/37 tip tinning compound, and found this:http://www.intertexelectronics.com/Qualitek-50-63371-6337-Delta-Tip-Tinner-1-oz-P3308.aspx. Never tried it though, so I've no idea how good/bad it is.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2013, 06:21:31 pm
content: I have one of these lead-free tip activators for my Weller soldering station. I use leaded solder and I haven't had problems with the lead-free activator.It comes really handy if I ever forget the soldering station turned on overnight. Stick the crusty tip into the activator, rub it into metal sponge, good as new. You can repeat the cycle once more, if your tip is super crusty.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2013, 06:29:39 pm
content: Quote from: Dave on September 17, 2013, 06:21:31 pmAlso have a Weller setup (WD1 + WMP + WSP80).Just sprung for a Stop-n-Go stand for it (configured where it goes to setback temp immediately, then cuts the iron off after a time limit). Has made quite a bit of difference for me. Also have both sponge and brass wool cleaners. Have really grown to appreciate the brass wool over the wet sponge, even for lead based alloys.BTW, either of the Stop-n-Go stands will work with either iron (and others that won't work with my power unit). All that differs is the WDH20T (one I purchased as it was cheaper), is it has threaded metal inserts that the WDH10T doesn't. Makes no difference in operation or fitment of the irons. Just more convenient for storing NT series tips vs. LT series tips. Extra tip holders (metal tubes that thread on the WSP/WP80) fit in the inserts fairly well also, just a bit wobbly. Saved $35 USD this way.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 17, 2013, 07:16:13 pm
content: I currently have a WHS 40D and its fanciest feature is digital temperature control. It knows no such thing as standby.I have the money saved up for a nice Ersa i-Con, I'm just waiting for our distributer to offer a nice discount on those things (they did that last year in december, hope they do it this year, too).

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2013, 06:14:37 pm
content: We had this stuff at our company but it is extremely nasty for your lungs, so ventilate well.

author: MrAureliusR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2013, 07:27:57 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on September 18, 2013, 06:14:37 pmYeah I definitely noticed that. I have a big window right over my bench plus fans and it still felt toxic. Its not something you use on a regular basis so as long as I'm careful when I do use it I should be okay.I know what you mean about the lid! I stuck the tin down to the base of my iron holder and I almost tore it off trying to open the lid! Crazy. I guess its good and sealed.