03-21-2009, 07:47 PM
I think that the "do not file" admonishment is for plated tips (which includes most nowadays). I file mine when they get badly pitted, and as long as you re-tin the tip, you should be able to get more service out of them.
I have a 200 watt iron, which I use for detailing brass locos, that had a plated tip. Unfortunately, the plating was pitted enough that it was eaten right through in some spots, with the result that it wouldn't stay clean for more than a minute or so. Since I was unable to locate a replacement tip, I filed off all of the plating, then covered the copper tip in a solder-bearing flux. A minute or so after plugging it in, the tip tinned itself, and has been pretty low-maintenance since then.
Wayne
I have a 200 watt iron, which I use for detailing brass locos, that had a plated tip. Unfortunately, the plating was pitted enough that it was eaten right through in some spots, with the result that it wouldn't stay clean for more than a minute or so. Since I was unable to locate a replacement tip, I filed off all of the plating, then covered the copper tip in a solder-bearing flux. A minute or so after plugging it in, the tip tinned itself, and has been pretty low-maintenance since then.
Wayne