[R-390] Flux Solvent Question

Glenn Little [email protected]
Tue, 25 Jun 2002 13:17:44 -0400


Barry and the group,

It depends on the flux.  Most flux that you will run into is RMA (rosin 
mildly activated).  This can be removed with a flux cleaner specifically 
formulated for to job, or by denatured alcohol.  This is not the 70% that 
you get at the drug store. You might be able to find 91% at the drug 
store.  THis is fine.  You can also get denatured alcohol at the paint 
department of your local store.  If you get into a bind, Vodka or everclear 
from your local spirits shop also work fine.  If the flux is unknown you 
mighr want to try water first.  There is a noclean flux that requires 
special treatment to remove.  If you start to see a white liquid when you 
apply alcohol, you have a noclean flux.  Do not go any further with the 
cleaning unless you want to get the correct chemistry or you want to use 
lots of alcohol.

I usually tilt the board against something on the bench with some paper 
towels under the edge of the board.  I then apply alcohol at the top of the 
board with cotton swabs.  This lets the flux saturated alcohol collect on 
the paper towels.  I continue with the alcohol bath until the board is no 
longer sticky.

Hope this helps

73
Glenn
WB4UIV

At 09:48 AM 6/25/02 -0500, Scott, Barry (Clyde B) wrote:
>On the subject of soldering, what is an appropriate solvent to use to 
>remove excess flux?
>
>Barry(III) - N4BUQ
>_______________________________________________
>R-390 mailing list
>[email protected]
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/r-390

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Glenn Little                         [email protected]   QCWA  LM 28417
Amateur Callsign:  WB4UIV            [email protected]   AMSAT LM 2178
QTH:  Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx)                      ARRL  TAPR
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