Yeah, stick down the perimeter, then I use the hot air gun to shrink up the middle. I do the iron over the center section, but you can run the iron over the ribs if you want. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I dont. On the fuse, I use the hot air gun then come back over it with the iron. Cant speak to the non-uniform shoe temps. My iron is about 12 years old and due for replacement, topflight. I dont recall where its set, I think just past the mid point. I also use ultracoat.
Edwin