Homebrew PCBs

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 :-|

Phil

> I especially ordered the more expensive
> solder with 5  flux cores (Edsyn), expecting to get something good,
> that it will wet well, but it turns out the opposite is true. The
> total percentage of flux is much lower than with the old solder. It
> will take years to use it all up.....
> 
> ST
>