Soldering Iron Tips Cleaner Tool

[nickeevblog10]

YIHUA 200C 110V Soldering Iron Tips Cleaner Tool Sponge Mesh Brush Smart Infrared looks like a good idea on Ebay but then I recalled tip tinning techniques and checked them out on Youtube so am not sure if I need one of these now.
 Is there alternative cleaning tools or techniques to this electric tool. The blackness I get on my solder tips is the problem I am talking about.
I do have the sponge and I do have a cleaner into which I can push and pull the solder tips during soldering for cleaning but the electric tool looks to be much quicker but i am not sure?
I bought some tinning paste to tin the soldering iron tip too.

[GadgetBoy]

You can clean the blackened crud off with pumice. You can avoid the buildup by soldering at a lower temperature.

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[t1d]

Well, you have posted this in the beginner section. So, I am going to assume that you have the typical beginner constraints - knowledge and money...

IMHO, I would not recommend this expense for a beginner. I think a brass sponge would give similar results and they can be bought for c-h-e-a-p at the local dollar store. Knowing proper cleaning techniques can totally bypass this expense. I wouldn't even suggest this for production line use, unless it had an amazing product reputation.

I apologize, if I come off too strong. I rarely express myself this boldly. But, this just seems like it is not needed.

What other equipment do you need to upgrade, or add to your tools? Can we help you set priorities?

[nickeevblog10]

Forgive me for not responding. A very new beginner at electronics you may call me.
I have since learned and now practice tinning the solder tip on a $15 soldering iron and cleaning on steel wool, wiping a damp sponge and dipping into $1 Ebay flux paste while soldering. Works great and the replacement elements cost about $2 or less and last surprising long... longer if I remember to turn the soldering iron off between jobs.
 I would be interesting to hear about priorities.
I do a few more little soldering jobs now, learning to be busier I am and a little organised now too, so not sure what kind of priorities might interest me, but give me go.

[Cnoob]

As for cleaning the black flux residue off the iron's tip I use an old pan scrub a bit like the brass sponge but made of steel.