So it DID happen again, with another brand new tip, my last one until my amazon order comes in. Fortunately I was able to finish the rat.

The only other thing I’m doing different than the other pedals I’ve built is I’m using a cheap brass wool sponge to clean the tip in between. It seemed to be working well but maybe it’s too aggressive?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078L21HP1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5sK0EbE8JFV46