02-20-2009, 10:30 PM
I plugged my Weller 35watt soldering iron in on 2/1 to do some work on my N&W cabooses, and discovered 15 days later (after I got back from Europe) that IT WAS STILL PLUGGED IN! 
hock: 
:oops:
After it cooled down I found some heat-related changes, but no functional damage. More importantly, my house wasn't burned down! That would have irritated my wife!
The hot side of these photos was facing up in the stand. Notice the discoloration of the "Weller" ring
Apart you can see a white heat streak up the handle, the disassembly ring damage noted above, absolutely no damage to the heating element or it's wiring leads, and a spot of rust on the tip itself (and another 180 degrees removed). Not certain what would have caused that.
A crust of oxidation formed on the tip - easily knocked off with a file.
The iron is still functional - this is a good unit if it can survive a user like me...
Matt
hock: :oops: After it cooled down I found some heat-related changes, but no functional damage. More importantly, my house wasn't burned down! That would have irritated my wife!
The hot side of these photos was facing up in the stand. Notice the discoloration of the "Weller" ring
Apart you can see a white heat streak up the handle, the disassembly ring damage noted above, absolutely no damage to the heating element or it's wiring leads, and a spot of rust on the tip itself (and another 180 degrees removed). Not certain what would have caused that.
A crust of oxidation formed on the tip - easily knocked off with a file.
The iron is still functional - this is a good unit if it can survive a user like me...
Matt
Matt Goodman
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio