Using a lower temperature helps prevent thermal damage and significantly enhances your tip life. Each Metcal tip is designed for high power delivery, so you can often solder with a tip at a temperature 100°F lower than with a conventional iron. Since Metcal tips sense thermal loads and respond to them, all you need to do is choose the temperature series. For most applications, a 600 Series will provide enough power and flexibility. Switch to a 700 Series where necessary, such as when working with heavy ground planes.