Deang Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 It's fun. Tedious. Rewarding. Aggravating. Things I like: A good soldering iron: I bought a Weller. Stay away from Radio Shack irons. They're junk. Good Solder: I used Kester 44 and Cardas. Stay away from Radio Shack solder. It sucks. Flux: You can solder without it, but it's painful. Everything heats up twice as fast with flux -- and that's a good thing. http://www.mouser.com http://www.madisound.com http://www.percyaudio.com http://www.soniccraft.com Great customer service, and always have everything and anything you need. Things I don't like: Sanding, priming, and painting. Cheap soldering irons. You make a connection, then have to wait 5 minutes for the tip to heat up again. I went through three of these. I started with 15 watts, then 30 watts, then 45 watts -- all the same. Junk. The 35 watt Weller is always hot and always ready. Solder that's advertised to melt at 370 degrees, but doesn't until the soldering iron tip melts. Flux: It goes wherever the solder leads. Usually underneath the sleeve covering the wire where you can't get to it. I hope it's non-corrosive, cause I AM NOT going after it. Well, it's Radio Shack flux. The cables will probably rot off within the next 6 months. http://www.regnar.com I'm not saying why cause I don't want to be sued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 I hope that's resin flux !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted October 15, 2002 Author Share Posted October 15, 2002 RadioShack Non-Spill Paste Rosin Soldering Flux. Seriously, how corrosive is this stuff? Should I slice the jackets and go after it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prodj101 Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 lol, I have a radio shack 100 watt soldering gun. works like a charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 15, 2002 Share Posted October 15, 2002 I would have to agree with prodj101 I do a ton of soldering with a 40 Watt Radio Shack soldering station and my only complaint is the Tips are junk and wear out way to fast. I've been watching Ebay for a Weller which I'm sure is a better Iron but Radio Shacks aren't that bad at all for the money. I would steer clear of the stand alone units but the soldering station model works fine just not really designed for heavy use and hence the tips wearing out. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted October 16, 2002 Author Share Posted October 16, 2002 Craig, Weller makes a 35 watt iron (pencil style) for $50. As far as I'm concerned, the tip on that thing is worth $50 alone. It's an absolute joy to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Warren Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Lynnm- I believe it is termed *rosin core* flux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougdrake Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Dean - Have you tried using the flux capacitor? DD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Robinson Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Yeah, just feed it beer and garbage. Back to the future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Your kids !! we have to do something about your kids !!! Back to the future...... why is it all of us have went back to the past ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Quote: "Lynnm- I believe it is termed *rosin core* flux" You are quite correct on the spelling of Rosin - but since we are chasing nits to pick I believe that you will find that the term "Rosin core" refers to solder wire that has a core of Rosin flux running through it. In any event anyone wishing to solder electronic parts should avoid acid core solder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 I myself don't use rosin or flux per solder and just keep the tip tinned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Warren Posted October 16, 2002 Share Posted October 16, 2002 Nos440-I don't understand?? the flux is necessary to get the solder to wet the joint. It's either incorporated in the solder itself (Kester flux core) OR its applied as a liquid (or paste) to the joint directly. If you are making solder joints without a fluxing agent you will make cold solder joints! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted October 17, 2002 Author Share Posted October 17, 2002 John, I know Craig uses Kester 44 -- which has a rosin core. I'm sure he just meant he doesn't use any additional flux other than what's in the solder. Since I'm relatively new at this, I prefer to use a little of the paste. I use the "pointed" tool, put a little flux on it, and dab it on the joint before I put the iron to it. I found that the joint heats up much faster. I can almost put the solder to it immediately. I prefer to get in, and then get out. No one answered my original question -- which had to do with my concern regarding the flux creeping, and sucking up underneath the jacket of the wire. I was wondering if I should worry about it. I had thoughts of slicing the sleeves and going after the flux with IPA. Isn't Rosin Flux also corrosive to some degree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 Actually the solder creeping up under the end of the insulation is an indication that the joint was properly heated. I would leave well enough alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Warren Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 Dean-The downside with leaving residual flux in place is that it absorbs moisture so it can *feed* fungus and cause local corrosion. Joints should be cleaned by removing the residual flux. A spray solvent is typical cleaner (see Parts Express). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 John, Deang is correct I use Kester 44 which incorperates its own rosin. I myself just apply a small amount of solder with the Iron when first touching the joint quick and easy. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 Deang, Scored a Weller professional soldering station yesterday on Ebay for $39 shipped. Its WCC100 adjustable from 350 to 850 degrees and puts out a max of 40 watts. Should be a nice unit ! Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanJ Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 Hey, been a while since I logged in. Hey Craig, Still see you and Kelly are "talking". Got the 600.00 dollar Eico up and running after doing a recap. Figured do it once and do it right as far as parts. Got auricaps/drops and two spragues. Good job on the weller. Remember I told you I got the RS digital soldering station. You have to have it maxed at 850F to solder. Why they would have intermediate 100 to 850, I don't know. maybe for melting something else? I may go weller. I do have another hf81 in line for a total refit but this one will be a jaw dropper. I'll post it when it is done:) Will take time. I think you guys will like it Bryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted October 17, 2002 Share Posted October 17, 2002 Bryan, Talking yelling its all the same LOL !! Glad to hear you got your HF-81 up and running !! So how does it sound ? Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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