[sdiy] Removing flux from PCBS?

[doof]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Harry Bissell Jr" <harrybissell at prodigy.net>

> If it is old rosin core flux... I use a slightly
> dull scratch awl and crack / flake the flux off.
> This removes 99% of the flux.  Then I scrub (dry)
> with a nylon brush.
>
> You could follow that with alcohol or a commercial
> flux remover...
>
> Using chemicals right away makes a major gooey MESS.
> Srcape first
>
> In most cases I never use the chemicals, excpet maybe
> a drop around a VCO or S/H cap...

That's a great idea, I'll try to scratch away at the brown resinous goop
around joints to see if it loosens easily.  Unfortunately this particular
PCB also has thin river-like streams of old flux residue on the
component-side of the PCB  so some kind of liquid cleaning method will also
need to be used.  I'm not familiar with any of the chemicals on the market,
though I would like to use a type that doesn't hurt the environment.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Samppa Tolvanen" <samppa.tolvanen at gmail.com>

> Acetone - anyone? I think that my solder is pretty basic 60/40 Rosin
> core and this cleans up the mess, if there is one, pretty nicely..

I'm curious too, anyone?

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Patchell" <patchell at cox.net>

> For the answer to this question, see my webpage:
> http://www.oldcrows.net/~patchell/diytips/diytips.html
>
> This applies only to new construction.  For old construction, Harrys tips
>  for removing flux is by far the best one.

Thanks James.  I began using 331 when I started building Blacet modules, it
really cleans up nicely with warm water.  I also use 245 no-clean for wiring
switches and pots.  Good stuff.