Re: fake desoldering wick
I haven't worked with lead-free solder that I know of, unless it was for sweating copper tubing.
The flux I use is a wave-solder flux by Kester, but I don't have the number. I reduce it with 99% IPA and it works very well. It appears to produce very energetic deoxidation action when heated to solder melting temperature, so
although its expiration date is long past due it still activates well enough for hand soldering. Wave soldering no doubt has more critical requirements due to the nature of the process.
I have an ample supply of 63/37 eutectic solder which may last longer than I do.
I cleaned another roll of braid tonight. The first soaking in acetone leaves the solvent an amber tone that is overshadowed by the green tint. Subsequent washings with 99% IPA leave the solvent with the amber cast, diminishing to clear after 2 IPA washes.
I think the solder-wick branded braid I bought is old and some of the copper was oxidized.
Or it is bogus, old, and some of the copper oxidized. It's OK now after cleaning.
Originally posted by stj
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The flux I use is a wave-solder flux by Kester, but I don't have the number. I reduce it with 99% IPA and it works very well. It appears to produce very energetic deoxidation action when heated to solder melting temperature, so
although its expiration date is long past due it still activates well enough for hand soldering. Wave soldering no doubt has more critical requirements due to the nature of the process.
I have an ample supply of 63/37 eutectic solder which may last longer than I do.
I cleaned another roll of braid tonight. The first soaking in acetone leaves the solvent an amber tone that is overshadowed by the green tint. Subsequent washings with 99% IPA leave the solvent with the amber cast, diminishing to clear after 2 IPA washes.
I think the solder-wick branded braid I bought is old and some of the copper was oxidized.
Or it is bogus, old, and some of the copper oxidized. It's OK now after cleaning.
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