Tip Care

[foozertone]

I'm sorry if this info is somewhere else but I couldn't find it. I just got a new variable-temp iron and I want to know exactly how to care for it. For example how to tin the tip etc. I also am wondering what the red stuff on my new tip is. Your help will be appreciated

Jeff

[GREEN FUZ]

The DIY FAQ at the top left hand corner is a great place to start. Here`s a head start http://diystompboxes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Skills There are several articles on basic soldering. The subject has been covered in numerous threads also.
     To tin the tip you basically need to apply a small amount of solder to it while it`s hot. I usually wrap a little round the tip before switching it on and let it flow as it heats up.
   As for the red stuff, if it were my iron I would say it was blood from where I`d inadvertently stabbed myself trying to desolder another botched build. As it`s yours I really couldn`t say.