This is how I finally got it to work for me. Learning lesson for me here. Any other tips to help?

While using it do I sponge then brass mesh it everytime? And how often?

This is how I finally got it to work for me. Learning lesson for me here. Any other tips to help?

While using it do I sponge then brass mesh it everytime? And how often?

All the time. Keep it clean always.

Does it need cleaning then tinning everytime?

You want the tip silver at all times. Never want it to be black/discolored.

Alright guys thank you for the help. I think I'll get a larger tip also and try again.

Yes, the tip that it comes with is kinda small. Something larger will help with getting the wire hotter faster.

You don't need a larger tip. Set your iron to max, wait 5 mins. Now place the tip on wire at a 90 degree angle, then slowly start adding new solder at the tip until it starts to melt and flow. Once it starts flowing, you should be able to pull off the wire.

You'll want to pull the wire off with a pair of pliers or tweezers as it will be super hot.

P.S. Also, make sure the nut at the base of the handle is tight...

5 mins? Mine can reach full temperature (the actual tip) in under a minute.

5 min at full temp is likely going to oxidize the tip of the iron.

+1. I have the same soldering station. I never set it above 650* Absolutely do not use it at max temp. You'll oxidize the tip and likely ruin whatever you're trying to solder. Read this post at the top of this thread How to solder correctly (a not so brief lesson) Plus tips and more... Updated 3/24/12
. It is an excellent article on how to solder correctly. I have been soldering for literally 50 years and learned things from this post. A couple of quick highlights, use rosin flux, the proper size clean chisel tip ( I suggest either the t18-d16 or t18 d24), and the 6 second rule. I can't suggest enough to read the post.

Whatever. 1 minute then. You need to let new solder flow.

I have a similar hakko iron I've been using to make audio circuit boards for the past 12 years. Always set full with the same tip. Works fine.

I am an electrical engineer.

Btw I leave my iron on 5 hours a day non stop when I'm working.

That is crazy long.