[sdiy] solder questions

[Grant Richter]

I have a tin of Kester rosin flux handed down from my grandfather.

The cover slogan says "The Choice of Dynamo Builders!".

I also have circuits I built 40 years ago with it that show no corrosion or
other funkyness (i.e. mold or white or green residue). Based on that, I'd
say at least some rosin flux from 70 years ago is stable and non-corrosive.

Rosin flux is known to be hydrophilic (attracts moisture) in the long term,
so solvent flux removal is "usually" a good idea.

I say "usually" because I had a sample and hold circuit that used a 0.002 uF
cap for the hold cap. I had leakage problems with every kind of flux and
flux remover leaving behind residue and draining the cap. The solution was
finally to use "no clean" flux and remove it mechanically rather than by
solvent (which can flow under chips and between pins).

> From: Glen <mclilith at charter.net>
> Date: Thu, 09 Sep 2004 13:56:32 -0700
> To: KA4HJH <ka4hjh at gte.net>, synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] solder questions
> 
> At 10:41 PM 9/7/04 , KA4HJH wrote:
> 
>> There's not one old-timer on this list who uses Ersin Multi-core?? For new
>> construction the newer Kester's are the way to go but for repairing old
>> equipment I'm still using Ersin. 60/40 at that. I have a lifetime supply.
> 
> I used to use that all the time, but I haven't seen it in several years. Is
> it still available?
> 
> 
> later,
> Glen