[Vizcaster]

Could you explain how flux is meant to help de-solder? I thought flux was meant to etch the metal so that solder will stick to it in the first place, I didn't know that it was supposed to do anything to the solder itself when you're melting it to remove it.

Incidentally I agree that 30 W can be a little weak for solder blobs on the backs of pots, and some manufacturers use higher temperature solders. I wouldn't worry too much about cooking the pot (although it's really the amount of time you apply heat that is a problem, not the power of the gun, so it's like stir frying - use a lot of heat and get out fast). However you might want to put a heatsink clip or hemostat onto the wire you're desoldering so the heat doesn't migrate back and melt the insulation or the cap as the case may be.