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

HKPhysicist over 1 year 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.

0 kiranmr69 over 1 year ago

1. Wiping the Soldering Iron Tip: The hole provides a place to press the soldering iron tip gently against the sponge to clean off excess solder or oxidation without damaging the tip.

2. Holding Water or Moisture: The hole can help retain water, ensuring the sponge stays damp for effective cleaning. A moist sponge prevents overheating and oxidation of the soldering iron tip during cleaning.

3.Shaping or Positioning: The hole allows better access for shaping or angling the tip while cleaning, especially for specific tip designs or cleaning needs.
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0 me_Cris over 1 year ago

Maybe to pour water, and being in the center it will be absorbed better.
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0 phoenixcomm over 1 year ago in reply to Jan Cumps

NOPE! Try again. ROFL!!
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0 phoenixcomm over 1 year ago in reply to dougw

dougw NOPE! Try again. ROFL!! Really just to scrape crud and detritus from your Irons tip! anniel747 I think your sponge is dry! run it under the water tap. Remove and Squeeze to Damp! (then retin the tip) ~~ Cris H.
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0 mp2100 over 1 year ago in reply to shabaz

Wow. You solved it, It’s a koan.

I was thinking more along the lines of ”now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall”
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0 HKPhysicist over 1 year ago in reply to anniel747

This seems a practical function of that hole.
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0 shabaz over 1 year 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 robogary over 1 year ago

To snuff out your cigar
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0 kmikemoo over 1 year 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 shabaz over 1 year ago

https://youtu.be/cSFLWEU9_Ok?feature=shared
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