Soldering Machine

Hi Everyone Is anyone using an electric soldering machine? I
have the kind that has a carbon piece attached to one wire and a
brass clip attached to the other wire. When I hold the carbon
on long enough to melt the solder, it makes a dent in the gold.
I use the lighest touch I can and still complete the circuit.
If anyone has any info or suggestions, please post. Thanks,
Claudia