Solder with flux?

[broncosdad1317]

can I use solder with flux in it for working on my quad or does it have to be the flux you put on by hand

 

[theGreenOrange]

I use small gauge 63/37 rosin core solder. No extra flux needed but it can help on difficult joints I guess. But I dont even keep any flux at the house.

 

[theGreenOrange]

63/37 is a eutectic alloy. There is no plastic phase during cooling like with 60/40 (or any other ratio) where one metal is solid and the other is still liquid. If you move the joint during this plastic phase, you can get a bad joint that looks OK from the outside.

 

[broncosdad1317]

Okay cool. Still another language to me but I'll apply that when doing more research thank you

 

[HighTechPauper]

Rosin core solder is the way to go, if you ever need to reflow a joint but can't really add any new solder because the joint doesn't need anymore is a good time to use flux, it will re-purify the solder and bring any heat damage and impurities to the surface where they can be easily cleaned with a little alcohol. If your technique is good enough you can just remove some old solder so that when you add a bit of new the rosin will do that for you also.

 

[broncosdad1317]

Awesome thank you. Super excited to learn how to solder and work on my quad

 

[Futuramille]

i use flux (added manually) everytime i "refloat" an existing solder joint. i especially like how flux seems to make tiny pad work faster (less heat to the board) and shiny little balls. if you use flux, use alcohol to clean off the resedue.. eg.. qtip and a light polishing. ive been using rubbing alcohol.
normally, i just dip the tinned end of the wire going in flux. when it hits the pre-tinned pad its instant and seems cleaner to me than withought it.
i don't think it required.

 

[VirtueViolater]

Its also good to have some flux around for your iron tip

 

[Futuramille]

this may or may not do anything at all.. like to much flux and being to **** soldering... but..
i find that before starting every session, i go to 800f.. tin the tip and use the wire pad to get access off.. then let it sit. butt it on the wire pad once just before using and its super pretty (shiney) .
anyone else use tip tinner regularly? it certainly can't hurt.
this kit works for me.. most important thing is heat so get a good iron right up front as an expense of building instead of buying. it's worth it and a one time cost. i spent maybe a 135$ total with the full set of tips.

oh... practice...
lots... find a shitty computer, camera or phone and dig a board out off it. practice on it first no matter what iron you buy.
its fun and may save a new f5 pad for you.

I'm not being cocky, i soldered rc planes and hellies in the 70s but these boards are not for cheap irons

 

[Futuramille]

here's a good question... when is the wet sponge right to use?

 

[NeoCloneOne]

here's a good question... when is the wet sponge right to use?

When the tip of your soldering iron seems to have excess solder on it or the tinned tip of the soldering iron looks a dull color. A good proper soldering iron tinned tip should look a shiny bright silver/ chrome color with no extra solder sticking on it. Will give the best soldering results.