Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message -----
From: "pgdion1" <pgdion1@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 4:03 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Drag soldering.


>I had the same experience. We have some of the 5 core / multi-core
> stuff at work and it's performance is poor. Either not enough flux or
> the flux isn't as good, not sure which. I won't use it anymore at all.
> I like the Kester 63/37 RA '44' solders. They're also available in
> 60/40 but I prefer 63/37. Good wetting, nice flow with clean bright
> joints, and the tips of the iron stay in much better shape.
>
> I also keep some Kester paste flux on hand as well. It's great for
> tinning boards. I smear a thin layer over the board with my finger and
> then drag a long tip sideways (so the side of the tip contacts the
> board) over the board, I can tin a whole board in a few seconds. It's
> getting harder to find but it's Kester Rosin Paste Flux SP-44. Handy
> to have on hand when you just want a little dap someplace and not the
> puddle from the liquid stuff. Just don't leave it out on the bench as
> everyone thinks it's tip cleaner for some reason :-|

I must try that. I have used desolder braid containing plenty of solder with
the soldering iron to tin pads (not the whole board) but it tends to lift
them off. I'll try my Weller Pyropen with the paste instead of a soldering
iron tip.

Leon