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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] How are people removing flux?

From: "Leon Heller" <leon.heller@...>
Date: 2006-02-07

----- Original Message -----
From: "dl5012" <dl5012@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 7:32 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] How are people removing flux?


> Hi,
>
> How are people removing flux?
>
> I'm using 98+% IPA and still have greasy residue left. I've started
> using compressed air after scrubbing with IPA and an acid brush and
> am getting better results, but still a little residue left.
>
> I've tried commercial flux removers. In addition to making a bigger
> mess, they sometimes leave a white residue on the solder.
>
> Rubbing alcohol (70% IPA) gives horrible results. It doesn't
> evaporate fast enough and it ends up just moving the flux around...
>
> My initial source of compressed air was one of those cans used for
> cleaning keyboards and the like. That was looking to be an
> expensive consumable, so I started using a 10 gallon tank I use to
> inflate tires. Lasts quite awhile and refillable, but it takes up a
> lot of space near my bench. Maybe I'll try one of those refillable
> aerosol cans from Harbor Freight...

IPA works fine for me. It's a good idea to remove the flux ASAP as it gets
much harder to remove it when it has been left for a while. I use a small
amount in a (clean) yoghurt pot, with an old toothbrush.

Leon

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