Heathkit solder

[larrymoencurly]

Back in the 1970s, my father built several Heathkits but didn't use all the solder. I have some of it and want to know why its flux smells like beef when heated.

It doesn't smell like any rosin or acid core solder solder I've tried. I don't know what it tastes like and won't try to find out.

[kc8adu]

Re: Heathkit solder

i have some here that smells like beer.its on a metal spool and the name is gone.

[ben7]

Re: Heathkit solder

I have some that smells like pine tree xD

@kc8adu: LOOOL!!!

[Peter9DO]

Re: Heathkit solder

It probably smells funky because the flux went bad... there is a shelf life on flux and if it's from the 1970s I can assure you the flux core has expired. However, I'm just assuming this and have never heard of solder going bad, that is the most logical explination I can think of though.

[kc8adu]

Re: Heathkit solder

dont tell the audiophools that.
i auctioned a roll of western electric /nassau solder a few years back.5lbs brought $400.
it was unused.dont know how good it was but the mere mention of it on a audio forum had em all drooling.

[ben7]

Re: Heathkit solder

dont tell the audiophools that.
i auctioned a roll of western electric /nassau solder a few years back.5lbs brought $400.
it was unused.dont know how good it was but the mere mention of it on a audio forum had em all drooling.

[Peter9DO]

Re: Heathkit solder

Again, I'm not 100% on that, I was hoping to have someone confirm or deny my statement. It truly was an assumption as stated. But that's one hell of a sale for some solder!

[larrymoencurly]

Re: Heathkit solder

It probably smells funky because the flux went bad... there is a shelf life on flux and if it's from the 1970s I can assure you the flux core has expired.

I finally asked my father about it, and he said the solder smelled unusual even when it was new.

[Peter9DO]

Re: Heathkit solder

lol! I would look into a fume extractor. Even a DIY fume extractor would be fitting!