Originally Posted by eR1c

Sorry if there is a thread on this already, -can't seem to find one though.

I have been using the same Weller $15 soldering iron for years (about 10yrs) for my RC soldering needs. Its always done fine, sure there is no heat adjustment, but its heated solder up just fine.

Recently I noticed that it will melt solder new from the package, however once the solder is set it takes forever to re-heat that solder (thats been set). Its become really difficult to work with.

2 questions,
1- do these cheapo irons go bad in time (that is they stop getting as hot as they used to)? -yes, I clean the tip of the iron very clean.
2- If I need a new iron, what is a good brand to get that is sub $100 in price. I have heard Hakko (sp?) are good, but not sure what they cost.

I've read that the melting point of solder is around 400*F , ...once its set does it have a higher melting point? curious why I have no problem melting it from the spool but once its set I can not get it to melt again.

thanks!