What is the function of the hole in the centre of a sponge?

HKPhysicist 8 months ago

Hello Friends,

Is there any function of the hole in the centre of a soldering station sponge?

For instance, this one:

https://hk.element14.com/metcal/ac-ys3/sponge-workstand/dp/4950483

I have 2 sponges from 2 different soldering stations. Both of them have big holes in the centre.

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0 dougw 8 months ago

I have not heard the reason.

Perhaps it is a place to pour water, or see the water level....
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0 Jan Cumps 8 months ago

So that they can expand inside the little box they are seating in
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0 mp2100 8 months ago

To set the little round dish that holds the brass shaving, to clean the solderring iron?? Maybe.
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0 shabaz 8 months ago

Hehe I bet they also sell the little round cut-outs in a tealight aluminium container, for use with little portable soldering irons : )
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0 beacon_dave 8 months ago in reply to $parentForumReply.Author.DisplayName

I find that it helps contain the contaminants after you scrape them off, leaving the rest of the sponge clean for the final wipes of the tip.
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0 shabaz 8 months ago

https://youtu.be/cSFLWEU9_Ok?feature=shared
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0 kmikemoo 8 months ago

Um... never seen it. I've only seen the little rectangular ones that look like snack crackers when you first open the soldering kit. The hole must be the upgraded version. So much to learn.
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0 robogary 8 months ago

To snuff out your cigar
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0 shabaz 8 months ago

It's also philosophical. A sponge in itself is material with holes in it. It is a reminder that the whole universe is actually a sponge.
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0 HKPhysicist 8 months ago in reply to $parentForumReply.Author.DisplayName

This seems a practical function of that hole.
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