50W Iron can't unsolder

[geo]

Hey,

So I've got a new 50W Weller soldering station and I can't even unsolder the connections that a mexican strat came with. I completely forgot to tin the tip and I'd tried desoldering for a few hours, is it possible I've ruined the tip? The iron? The heating element?

I'm not very familar with soldering, I've only ever borrowed other folks' equipment, never replaced a tip before or anything. In the heating element, is the middle part supposed to not be connected to the outside?

Edit:
Cancel that, the heating element is definitely touching the inside of the tip. The very end of the tip is blackened and slightly rough. I tried silvering it just now to no avail. The side of the iron (just past the blackened tip) gets hot enough to melt the solder, but the tip itself does not. Furthermore, solder will not wet to the tip, just the side of the tip.

[sumgai]

geo,

Since there's some heat from the internal element, then it's your tip that's bitten the dust. Whether you caused it or otherwise, I can't say, too many variables in the equation.

Try another tip, and this time, tin it before the first use.


On another note, your solder sucker must be in top notch working order, or you'll waste time, and possibly burn up one or more components, trying to clean the solder joint. Instead, try using a de-soldering wick, something like this:




(Click the image.....)


Here's a video on how to use the stuff:




HTH




sumgai

[reTrEaD]

Hi geo!

All that time at high temperature and no flux or solder has probably created an oxide layer on your tip. This severely impedes the conduction of heat. You might be able to reverse the process, but it will take a bit of work. Bring the temperature up just high enough to melt fresh solder and flux on the side of the tip, then wipe the solder off on a damp sponge. The sponge should be cellulose, NOT plastic foam (that will melt and make a horrible mess). If you don't have a cellulose sponge, use a damp cotton cloth. Again, no polyester or other synthetic that will melt.

Alternate between applying solder and wiping it off. If you're lucky, the tinned area will gradually migrate from the side of the tip to the end of the tip.

If that doesn't work, just bite the bullet and buy a new tip. And be sure to tin it.

[geo]

Yeah, I'd tried exactly that, retread; no dice. Thanks fellas, I think I'm in for another tip.

I've actually never used a solder sucker, just de-soldering thread.