Soldering issues

[zjguy721]

Not sure why this is happening, but my soldering iron is acting like no heat is coming through the tip.

Its a TrakPower TK 950. I've used it a few times, but after doing about 10-12 connectors, now it won't do anything. I've replaced the tip, cranked up the heat all the way (was using about 750), and it won't hardly melt solder. I'm at a loss. I've had something similar happen with my old POS 60W cheapy iron once a tip was pitted out, but why would it be doing it with a new tip? Kind of frustrating.

[JoeTech]

It happened with my old 60w too. Tossed it out and bought another one.. Never found out why tho

[beomagi]

The tips are heated by an element under it in that model right? perhaps the issue is that heating element.

[mrG]

Are you tinning the tip? Does the tip actually get hot? There's a great read on soldering on rc tech How to solder correctly (a not so brief lesson) - R/C Tech Forums

[zjguy721]

Yes, it does have a heating element. And yes, I do tin the tip. But I can lay it on a solder joint and it won't melt it.

Just wondering if anyone else has had the same issue with this model?

[losikid]

There is probably something wrong with the heating element or the temp sensing circuit.

Basically, any decent soldering station, attempts to maintain a set temperature at the soldering tip. Todo this is uses a temp sensing circuit to determine how much power it needs to pump into the heating element. So if either one is faulty, then you'll get poor heat characteristics. Unless the tip or heating element is completely oxidized preventing heat transfer, then you have an electrical problem that would be easier to fix with a new station (Or try and warranty it if it's relatively new).

[13in.]

If you have a bench grinder with a wire wheel, use it to polish the tip and any other oxidation/discoloration. Re-tin and you should be good to go. Or you can go at it with a wire brush or sand paper. Works for me, hope it helps you.

[M1tch]

If the tip is removable and held in by a screw, try taking the tip out and cleaning inside where the tip goes. Sometimes corrosion can build up and stop good contact with the tip.

[paperbag]

Yeah, try cleaning or replacing the soldering tip. That helps 9 times out of 10.... if it's the 1 time out of 10, just replace it.

A few weeks ago, I spent 2 hours unsuccessfully trying to solder some Deans connectors. Finally just stopped by Radio Shack, bought a new soldering iron for $25 and was done 15 minutes later. If you can't heat up the wire core enough for it to suck the solder into it in a reasonable amount of time, something's wrong.