[codefox1]

Aye. I always dab a bit of "new" solder on the tip to both provide a better transfer of heat, and a film of flux to the joint I want to loosen. And I use cheap 99 cents irons for recycling old parts and other thermal excavations of wax, tar, and the like. The tips foul, and I file them down, and when they are gone, I toss the poor little thing.

I have a lamp dimmer gizmo on my bench to tame irons for delicate work.