Seems like it was a little more "reflexive" when I tinned it before. First I used solder, then I used this stuff.



Higher resolution pics available if necessary



Thanks so much

Joe

 

Does it tin nicely, with the solder flowing over it? or does the solder try to form a little sphere?
If it flows nicely, then it is OK. (But I would never recommend tips that sharp - I always use a 3.2mm "screwdriver" tip, even for soldering 0.5mm spacing TQFPs)

 

Sometimes it forms a sphere. I can make a video if it helps.

What should I do if it forms a sphere?

 

Get some brass wool, put solder on the tip, plunge it in. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Always works for me. Then use the brass wool every time before and after soldering. Your tip will stay perfect.

 

Higher resolution pics available if necessary

It looks okay to me. A higher resolution picture would be helpful to see if there are any spots that aren't tinning well.

I don't use any special supplies for tinning the tip. I just use the flux in solder wire. For really bad cases, I might use an X-ACTO blade to gently scrape it off. Keep the tip clean and you won't need more than the flux in solder wire to tin it.