ok im new to soldering (new to just about everything in this forum ) and all the tutorials on the web mention that i should 'tin' the soldering iron before heating the wire. so i try to apply a little solder onto the iron, but it ***** up and rolls right off?! can anyone offer any help to a newbie solderer. i have no clue what im doing. =\

 

You may have a tip that is oxidized.
Clean with a fine brass wire brush.
Tin as directed above.

 

i love the smell....