prserving a soldering iron

[lyberty5]

The tip of my soldering iron keeps on shrinking, So much that it is soon going to dissapear... Even though i only did like a few hours of soldering...
What am i doing/not doing wrong?
Are there any tips on how to preserve your soldering iron from shrinking and whatnot?

 

[XCVG]

You bought a cheap piece of flax. There's your mistake right there.

 

[brunoip]

you better buy a ceramic tip

 

[Hermaphroditus]

Get a better soldering iron. May I suggest an OKI powered by Metcal? It's got the amazingness of Metcal with a cheaper price 'cause OKI took them over.

 

[Basement_Modder]

*Can'tSayThisOnTV* that, buy a weller station for $50-100 and keep it forever.

 

[Mario]

It can last years and years if you treat it right. Look for guides on how to keep your soldering iron clean and in good shape. It probably is crap if the tip is gone after only a few hours. But, I've had my $10 RadioShack iron for about 5 years and have only had to replace the tip two or three times.

You should probably look up a guide anyway, though.