[Elecraft] Deflux?

[John Buck]

After watching the continued discussion from people wanting to deflux 
their boards, I decided that it is necessary to jump in.

When reasonably good solder with rosin core flux and good solder 
technique are used, deflux is totally unnecessary.  If you are really 
concerned about flux build up in a few places, wait for several days or 
a few weeks.  The flux sets up and will flake off using a small blade 
screwdriver and a gentle scrape.  The flux is benign and will not short 
anything out or cause corrosion.  I do prefer to remove obvious buildup 
in areas where the circuit impedance may be multi megohm.

Using solvents is very poor practice.  The solvent may convert the 
residue to a less desirable material than you started with.  It may move 
the insulating material to places you do not want it.
It will react with paint, lettering, and anything else around.
The solution will get into unsealed parts, switches, encoders, pots, 
variable capacitors, glue transformer slugs, and insulate connector 
contacts.

Bottom line.  Follow the Elecraft instructions.  Do not use solvents.

I you feel absolutely compelled to violate the instructions and use some 
sort of solvent, pay attention to what others have said to help minimize 
the damage.

My conclusion is DO NOT USE SOLVENT on the boards.

Aloha,
John KH7T