Need advice for cutting ripstop and webbing

[gmcttr]

...One big advantage of the gun vs melting with a lighter is that you can 'flatten' (aka 'sculpt') the melted end of the webbing ...

I use a small stainless steel ruler or the side of the ceramic knife to press the webbing flat. It doesn't stick to either one.

[nothermark]

I suspect it depends on how one uses the straight edge. IF you lean the tip on the straight edge it will suck heat. If you lean the iron away from the straight edge and use the tip to follow it you will be melting and cutting.

[slugbait]

I started out using Husband's soldering gun (tip filed to a point). It was heavy and hard to control so I bought a woodburning tool at Michael's with a 40% off coupon. It's much easier to use. A wooden ruler with a thin metal edge works well to guide short cuts- for longer ones I use a wooden yardstick (don't linger as you cut or you'll burn the stick). My 6 foot aluminum rule sucks heat away too fast.

[juanbalboa]

How do you (if you) clean the iron tips after you're finished cutting?

[gmcttr]

How do you (if you) clean the iron tips after you're finished cutting?

It mostly burns off and since I don't use the same tip for soldering, nothing needs to be done. It if did need cleaned, steel wool, sandpaper or a file would take care of it.

[juanbalboa]

It mostly burns off and since I don't use the same tip for soldering, nothing needs to be done. It if did need cleaned, steel wool, sandpaper or a file would take care of it.

Nice. Thanks.

[squidbilly]

My experience is the 6' aluminum straight edges common in the states (which I use) will suck the heat out of low wattage irons.

I use the same wattage gun as you linked with a tip similar to the Weller Plastic Cutting Tip with great results on nylon. I like the quick heat up/cool down of a gun over and iron as well.

I found using it to cut webbing creates too much smoke to use indoors and just doesn't work as nicely as one would think. I use a ceramic knife on a wood cutting board for webbing and seal the ends with a lighter.

I also use the gun with a rope cutting tip on nylon and polyester climbing rope....outdoors...lots of smoke, but worth it for the end results.

This is exactly the same set-up I use, except I use it for webbing too. Like VictoiaGuy said: I like being able to sculpt or smooth the edges after cutting webbing.

[squidbilly]

How do you (if you) clean the iron tips after you're finished cutting?

Occasionally during cutting, and immediately after a cut, I wipe it on an old cotton rag I keep handy.

www.dropbox.com/sc/5csc989pg913174/AAB_b0AamP5pNuErpWF5uDhRa

Of course, it helps that I get these free.

[Spaceman]

Lots of good advice. Thanks everyone.