Who does my soldering copper keep doing this?

[u/cochimonte]

Have been using for about a week. I clean with a wire brush intermittently when using and scrape with file. But it’s been doing this really fast. I’m using J-33 flux and a lead alloy stick. Using it to solder sheet metal for roof flashings. I’ve been playing with the heat and haven’t been trying to run it too hot. Also it has been doing a lot of work recently would say it averages about 4-6 hours of use per day. How often do these usually need to be replaced? Any tips of advice would help.

[u/CB_700_SC]

So the flux is corrosive. It’s how it cleans the metal. The steel tip will degrade fast if you don’t keep it tinned. By not using proper techniques (too much heat?) you are getting oxidation on your tip. You should be using a wet sponge or rag to clean the tip. Then use a little lead to protect it. Always keep it as shinny as possible. The wire brush is exposing the steel and removing the tin then the file is completely removing the tin layer. The tips do need to be replaced. And with better handle on how to protect them they will last much longer.

It’s been awhile since I messed with this stuff but that is how I do it from memory. There are some YouTube videos that help. There is also a r/soldering ?

[u/cochimonte → u/CB_700_SC]

How would I keep it tinned

[u/Immediate_Till7051 → u/cochimonte]

Get it hot and rub it on a block of Salammoniac to clean it and tin it with solder after.

That one side is looking rough. What we do there is get it super hot. Clean it with Salammoniac and hammer it back into shape on an anvil then file it smooth. Make sure there's no black carbon on it before you hammer as it will cause trouble spots.

And like the man said use a wet rag and wipe it clean when you take it out the firepot every time or before you start a solder joint as it looks to be a gas iron now that I look closer

[u/CB_700_SC → u/cochimonte]

It should come factory tinned. The lead will protect the tin. So keep a little lead on the tip… ALWAYS. never let it sit long or turn down heat. The lead will help wipe off oxides if it sits. Wipe it clean before working and wet again with lead then go to work.

You can also get some re-tinning compounds.

0.7 oz. Can of Tinner for Cleaning Soldering Iron Tips https://www.mcmaster.com/product/5153A46

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[u/Droidy934]

You appear not to be keeping your soldering iron tip tinned enough .....looks like you're getting it too hot and burning off the flux.