Hey guys im wanting to do a simple 1w build. and ive got all the necessarily goods including od 4+ goggles. and im a beginner at soldering so i was wondering what is the best flux to use? something that can be applied really easily not like the paste stuff.
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Help with soldering
- Thread starter xAsian101
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Contact Flaminpyro. He sells good quality flux that he puts in syringes. It is great for pinpoint application. 
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I've got a squeeze bottle with a syringe tip on it. You can find flux syringes, and they're pretty handy. Something like this maybe (Amazon.com).
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You can also buy all types of Rosin Flux Paste and apply
it with a toothpick or even a Q-Tip...
The best would be to buy Rosin Core solder.. This way
the correct amount of Flux is applied automatically...
Jerry
it with a toothpick or even a Q-Tip...
The best would be to buy Rosin Core solder.. This way
the correct amount of Flux is applied automatically...
Jerry
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radioshack flux pisses me off, but I'm the type of person that, if I already have something, I have to use that before buying more.
BTW, what's the most economical solvent for generic flux paste? is isopropyl ok?
BTW, what's the most economical solvent for generic flux paste? is isopropyl ok?
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Yeah... but the higher percentage type...
A bit more expensive but works great for
removing flux after making a solder joint...
Jerry
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Ditto on the RadioShack solder. It sucks. Really sticky with a lot of residue. I use 99% alcohol and it still resists removal.
It sits in the far corner of my worktable, now; I refuse to use it anymore. And I'm one of those people who use it all before getting more, too.
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Throw it out and save yourself some grief... 
Jerry
Jerry
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I use Kester 1544 flux that I bought in small quantities from someone. It's also very sticky, but does come off with alcohol (91% isopropyl that I got at a drug store) to break it up, followed by some soap and water. Without the alcohol, it is practically impossible to get off, as it resists water and still feels tacky even after using Dawn or other stuff like that.
Remember that the alcohol is mostly just there to break the bonding so that it can wash off, not used as the main cleaner unless you can dunk your object straight into the alcohol and rub it off. So follow up your alcohol with some soap and water and you should be fine.
Remember that the alcohol is mostly just there to break the bonding so that it can wash off, not used as the main cleaner unless you can dunk your object straight into the alcohol and rub it off. So follow up your alcohol with some soap and water and you should be fine.
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Helios
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I would say the best suggestion I could give you is to buy very thin "high tech" solder thats used for soldering smd pieces to boards. It helps immensely because you can get the soldering iron in there and then the thin solder allows you more visibility. This may seem like a small detail but when you are soldering to a pin on the back of a diode you dont want a paper clip thick solder wire in your way. Also its easier to apply small amounts of solder.