Soldering

[RJARRRPCGP]

I have been hearing about stuff called flux. What is flux used for?

Also, what is tinning?

[willawake]

Re: Soldering

flux helps the solder flow. it is inside the core of most solders. you can also get a tin of it to spread on wires and contacts where you want the solder to flow. I dont consider it necessary for recapping.

tinning is when you add a bit of solder to the tip of the soldering iron before you start soldering. it is recommended.

you might want to read around the subject :

Elecraft Builder Resources (Click on Soldering Tutorial)
http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2info.html

Apogee Kits Downloads (Click on ApogeeKits Free Illustrated Guide to Electronics Soldering)
http://www.apogeekits.com/downloads.htm

The Basic Electronics Soldering & Desoldering Guide
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/solderfaq.htm

[arneson]

Re: Soldering

Flux is a state of change.
It holds the space time continume together, hence the Flux Capacitor, usually installed in a DeLarian.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: Soldering

flux helps the solder flow. it is inside the core of most solders. you can also get a tin of it to spread on wires and contacts where you want the solder to flow. I dont consider it necessary for recapping.

tinning is when you add a bit of solder to the tip of the soldering iron before you start soldering. it is recommended.

you might want to read around the subject :

Elecraft Builder Resources (Click on Soldering Tutorial)
http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2info.html

Apogee Kits Downloads (Click on ApogeeKits Free Illustrated Guide to Electronics Soldering)
http://www.apogeekits.com/downloads.htm

The Basic Electronics Soldering & Desoldering Guide
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/solderfaq.htm

I thought that flux gets rid of impurities.

[willawake]

Re: Soldering

In soldering of metals, flux serves a threefold purpose: it removes oxidation from the surfaces to be soldered, it seals out air thus preventing further oxidation, and by facilitating amalgamation improves wetting characteristics of the liquid solder.

lol i guess i should be doing the reading. i was 1/3 right.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: Soldering

Then when done soldering, how should I remove the flux?

[kc8adu]

Re: Soldering

yes.some flux is corrosive.

[gonzo0815]

Re: Soldering

Normaly elektronic flux should`t be corosive at all, but anyway, you could use no clean stuf, to be sure.

[ngorge]

Re: Soldering

How about soldering paste? Is it flux or is it for tip tinning? How is it properly used?

[Galvanized]

Re: Soldering

How about soldering paste? Is it flux or is it for tip tinning? How is it properly used?

If you read this thread, willawake has posted links that will answer your question. Buy tooling and practice. There are several threads here on soldering irons.

When any of us are new to a subject, we have homework at hand.

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Re: Soldering

While we are on the subject of flux, what are ya'lls feelings towards liquid flux? Onboard the ship, and in my wiring mods I do, I've always used it, considering it so much more useful that the paste form.

[kc8adu]

Re: Soldering

While we are on the subject of flux, what are ya'lls feelings towards liquid flux? Onboard the ship, and in my wiring mods I do, I've always used it, considering it so much more useful that the paste form.

as long as it is non corrosive its fine if you need it and clean it away afterwards.rosin=safe
zinc chloride=not good!

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Soldering

Definitely clean it. Some water-washable fluxes are pretty conductive.

[yanz]

Re: Soldering

While we are on the subject of flux, what are ya'lls feelings towards liquid flux? Onboard the ship, and in my wiring mods I do, I've always used it, considering it so much more useful that the paste form.

i hate flux/paste. it will only flow the solder too much in my experiences..