Bizarre soldering issue

[LaceSensor]

Hi All

Looking for some advice.
I have used the same soldering station for a long time, a Xytronic LF-1680
Its electronically controlled and can set the temp.

Ive always used (dont judge!) 60/40 solder, 1mm, rosin flux coated.
Ive never really needed extra flux.

Recently the iron tip thing broke - not the metal tip, but the ceramic part inside somehow.
I ended up replacing the whole "wand" as it was better value to do so.

Now, fast forward a little bit, I am really struggling with cold joints. Ive replaced the tip multiple times. I havent changed brand of solder.

Any ideas wtf is going on? Can solder go off?
Ive ordered some more solder, and some additional stand-alone flux to try and figure this out.
Its sooo wierd, Ive never had this issue in like 15 years.

thanks

[jessenator]

I've got a decent station and aside from cleaning and re tinning tips and confidence in temperature, the only problems I've run into are old project boards where there's heavy oxidation on the pads/vias. At least heavy enough to give me issues but would eventually take.

I know a lot of folks only use what's in the core, but the answer for me when it comes to "how much flux?" is always "yes"

The tub I've got has lasted a long while and does a great job. Bit harder in winter and have to warm it with my desk lamp.

I've been using 60/40 solder since day one and I don't trust the "rosin flux core" any more than I can see it with the naked eye. Still good stuff, though.

Anyway, got off track.

I'd check/test to see if you're actually getting the indicated temps.

Not sure solder can go off. It can get slightly oxidized on the surface, but once melted and with flux applied there shouldn't be any issues.

[gordo]

I've had a hell of a time with a replacement wand on my Hakko FX 888 till I realized it's from Amazon and likely a fake.  I went back to the old wand and it's better.  I'll order another, and likely from Amazon but will be from the Hakko store.

Possibly a similar issue?  The temp was set to 170 but tip just wasn't hot enough.

[derevaun]

Sometimes the cable connector on my station loses a contact and it temporarily goes cold. If I have the presence of mind to look, it shows a problem code on the display. Maybe a really intermittent bad connection could make the temp swing without a clear indication?

[LaceSensor]

When I purchased the replacement I went to the vendor and I am confident its a genuine part.

Its certainly seems consistently hot....

Its super wierd. Will update when I get new solder and flux

regards tinning the tip, the solder just wont stick to it. And this is brand new, expensive tips too not old ones.

[LaceSensor]

Thanks for everyones thoughts

I got some new solder in the post and its working great.

so it must be an off roll of solder, or its oxidized / aged and the flux has "died" somehow.

I also got some flux that I can try with the "off" reel and see if that helps

cheers

[jwin615]

Weird. I have partial spools of kester 60/40 that are pushing 20 years old and work fine.
Any chance your spool got contaminated? Maybe some wd40 over spray?

[madbean]

I had a similar issue with a roll of Kester. A day or two after the joints became cloudy and dirty. Looked terrible. Switched to a different type of solder and no more problems.

[jwin615]

I had a similar issue with a roll of Kester. A day or two after the joints became cloudy and dirty. Looked terrible. Switched to a different type of solder and no more problems.

My joints are kinda cloudy on the old kester, now that you mention it.
Maybe it's time. Great, gonna have fun trying to fall asleep now.
"What if it is bad?"...

[LaceSensor]

So glad this wasnt just me

Sorry for the insomnia and doubts!