[vcf-midatlantic] Care and feeding of my desoldering station?

[Systems Glitch]

> SO I have this cheap Aoyue desoldering station. I've been keeping the
> spring and the nozzle clean but I'm puzzled as the why the large tube
> of silicone? It doesn't really explain in the manual how to maintain
> the station and the large tube seems a bit much for the vacuum attachment
> at the based. Any hints tips, or clues?

Probably for lubricating all of the rubber surfaces. Additionally, if the tips like to stick on your soldering/desoldering equipment, a dab of C5-A hi-temp copper antiseize lube will fix it (commonly available at auto parts stores in small tubes, ask for copper antiseize or "that stuff to keep exhaust bolts from sticking").

Cleaning is really the key to keeping your desoldering station going. I've got a Hakko 472D and frequent filter changes, tip clean-outs, and running a small drill through (especially when desoldering old stuff with a lot of flux!) makes life better. You can reuse the springs many times, but the ceramic paper filters shouldn't be reused. You *can* soak them in alcohol and peel off the top layer if you absolutely must reuse one.

Thanks,
Jonathan