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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Liquid Tin

From: Brian Lalor <blalor@...>
Date: 2010-01-30

On Jan 30, 2010, at 2:38 AM, jimofc300 wrote:

> 1) I just purchased a bottle of Liquid Tin. In the bottom of the
> (unopened) bottle, there's a lot of white precipitate and a few
> black things. It doesn't mix in if I shake it. Is this normal or did
> I receive a defective product?

Mine’s the same way. It seems to work ok, but the precipitate looks
very odd to me.

> 2) I understand that the tinning process is very stinky and produces
> toxic gases. Is it ok to use it outside, since my lab (a.k.a.
> garage) is not well ventilated?

It is smelly, but I’ve taken to putting some into a clear plastic
container (left over from some Chinese food, I believe) and both
storing some in there and also using it for soaking the board. I just
pop the board in and close the lid and watch for it to be done. I
don’t smell anything when I do it that way.

> 3) Can I re-use Liquid Tin by pouring it back into the original
> bottle? Or should it be discarded after one use?

My bottle turned a bit cloudy when I poured used mixture back in, so I
went the reusable solution method above.

I’m looking forward to seeing answers to questions 4 and 5. :-)

--
Brian Lalor / blalor@...
Humanity is rife with enterprising idiots whose final words may
well have
been "hold my beer and watch this."