[Elecraft] Solder Size and Flux (WAS: K2 build question)

[Don Wilhelm]

Ron,

You are completely right.  I encourage the use of smaller diameter 
solders - it is easier than using solder that is too large.  The 
eutectic alloys (63/37) are also a great help in eliminating 'cold 
solder' connections when the work moves just as the solder is cooling.

I know you have good control and lots of soldering skills.  Anyone who 
can solder on-board a moving ship in the middle of a storm deserves a 
lot of credit for those hard-earned skills.
I have also heard that Lyle Johnson uses 0.031 solder on SMD, but I know 
I would make a mess of SMD with that diameter. 
I keep the 0.031 only for soldering antenna wires and work mostly with 
0.015 for thru-hole construction.  For fine pitch SMD stuff, I go to the 
0.010 roll I have just for that purpose - yes it is like soldering with 
hair.  With those diameters, I can easily control the amount of solder 
being applied.

73,
Don W3FPR

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> One of ways builders get excess flux on the joints is by using too-large
> diameter solder. Such solders tend to release more flux per unit of solder
> than smaller-diameter solders. 
>
> The biggest solder I use on through-hole work is 0.031" diameter, and I have
> 0.015" solder for small work. 
>
> Ron AC7AC 
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 10:15 AM
> To: Michael Harvey
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 build question
>
>
> Mike and all,
>
> Flux residue will do no harm except under quite unusual circumstances 
> and it is best left as-is.  The greatest 'problem' is one of aesthetics.
> Attempts to remove flux can result in damage to components - the cleaner 
> can get into relays, inductors and cause much more harm that.  For that 
> reason, Elecraft strongly recommends that flux *not* be removed.  If you 
> feel you must do flux removal, do not flood the board or even spray it.  
> Work in small areas at a time with Q-tips or something similar.
>
> If your solder has a mildly reactive flux, and you do not apply excess 
> solder, there is no need to remove any of the flux - the board will look 
> clean.  I would suggest that if you have excessive flux residue on your 
> board, then you likely have too much solder applied as well.  It would 
> be better to wick away the excess solder than to clean off the flux - 
> the excess solder can create solder bridges and can hide a connection 
> that did not receive enough heat.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
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