[sdiy] solder questions

[WeAreAs1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/7/04 10:00:40 AM, higg0008 at tc.umn.edu writes:

<< Also, I've noticed that my local supplier (AEI Electronics here in MN) 
carries the bottled liquid rosin flux, but the only other flux I've 
ever seen is the (shudder) Radio Shack stuff which is a paste.  Is one 
dramatically better than the other?  (I have a feeling that the answer 
will always be "yes, the competing product" when it comes to Radio 
Shack).  : ) >>

The paste flux is really best for high-temperature, difficult soldering 
applications such as residential and industrial electrician jobs (soldering to 
steel pipe, etc.).  Always use the liquid flux for small electronics.

BTW, liquid flux is the best tool you have for dealing with large-footprint 
surface-mount IC's.  I have repaired many dead modern digital synths and FX 
boxes simply by reflowing the solder at major surFace-mount components.  (using 
flux and a solder wick to clean up any overflow or bridges.  Oh yeah, you might 
also need a magnifying glass -- I certainly need one!)

Michael Bacich