flux. yay or nay?

flux?

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    38
Lemony Vengeance

Lemony Vengeance

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Hey!

Few days ago, I posted a video on how to do some through hole soldering:


I did not, however, mention anything about flux. I may be getting myself in trouble here but I don't use it. Never have.

Someone tipped me off that the srk tech talk facebook group is now picking the video apart, with it being split 50/50.

So I ask you, who's guidance I trust above all others:

Flux, yay or nay?
 
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Zapperkhan

Zapperkhan

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I've done both, sometimes it feels like it helps the solder get attracted to the contacts or what have you but sometimes not. I usually forget to use it though.
 
Chempop

Chempop

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Lemony DRAMAA, my favorite flavor :drool_2:

I always like your videos, come a looonnngg way since that one where you helped me understand the blast’s jamma+ 4&5 buttons vs kick row. As I’m sure you know, I cannot answer your question. :emb: Just wanted to express support, I look forward to learning something about flux.
 
bustedstr8

bustedstr8

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Those troglodytes at SRK dunno wtf they are talking about. You are using flux...it's in the wire core. :p

The only stupidly small thing to nitpick about is when your tried to reflow that second joint a few times.
If it doesn't fix itself after the first reflow it won't a second or third time either, since the flux is burnt off.
I like to keep a syringe of rework flux handy for quick touchups, just a tiny dab will do the trick.

This stuff works great...and it smells like honey too

smd291.jpg
 
skate323k137

skate323k137

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If I'm using brand new components, I just use flux core solder and it does the trick. No need to bother with additional flux. Rework or desoldering, or older / oxidized stuff on the other hand, flux can be very helpful getting good heat transfer quickly to avoid damage to components.

Edit: this amazingly old school soldering tutorial is still my favorite; it did wonders for the quality of my work.

 
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shadows

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For through hole, no. You should be using flux/rosin cored solder anyway, so you dont need to add extra flux.
Unless you are doing something wrong, either with the technique or the tools being used are no good enough .It is not necessary for through hole components.
 
Lemony Vengeance

Lemony Vengeance

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shadows said:
For through hole, no. You should be using flux/rosin cored solder anyway, so you dont need to add extra flux.
Unless you are doing something wrong, either with the technique or the tools being used are no good enough .It is not necessary for through hole components.
Click to expand...

Your opinion ESPECIALLY is one I hold above most others. Thanks!

I indeed use rosin core solder, so I'm covered.

As for drama, the people nay-saying are members here, we've clashed before. Won't name names though.
 
kuze

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I don't find flux necessary for through hole soldering (using rosin cored solder), but it is quite handy with SMD soldering. My votes on 'yay'.
 
mr_b

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I say "Yay" to flux. I find rosin core solder to be as useful as a broke dick dog. I find it makes the actual soldering process go quicker and makes better joints. It's a pain in the ass when you thru hole solder if for some reason you don't get a good joint and you have to spend time touching it up or figuring out which joint is the faulty one.

Soldering is like painting. There are those who are anal about the process and finished product and others are happy enough with "the job is finished" and don't care about looks just functionality. Hence why you see a 50/50 split on your video.
 
Lemony Vengeance

Lemony Vengeance

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mr_b said:
I say "Yay" to flux. I find rosin core solder to be as useful as a broke dick dog. I find it makes the actual soldering process go quicker and makes better joints. It's a pain in the ass when you thru hole solder if for some reason you don't get a good joint and you have to spend time touching it up or figuring out which joint is the faulty one.

Soldering is like painting. There are those who are anal about the process and finished product and others are happy enough with "the job is finished" and don't care about looks just functionality. Hence why you see a 50/50 split on your video.
Click to expand...

Good points.
 
aha2940

aha2940

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I voted Nay because I do not use any additional flux, only the one that comes with the core of the solder. Then again, I only solder through hole components, so maybe that's why I don't seem to need it.

Regards.
 
pulstar

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Through hole - No. SMD - almost a necessity to do it right/clean.
 
werejag

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is great but using it constantly is a waste for most soldering the flux in solder core is enough for most projects
 
Xavier

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mr_b said:
I find rosin core solder to be as useful as a broke dick dog.
Click to expand...
Me too, I use flux on everything makes life so much easier.
On the other hand I know people who don't use it at all.
 
ReplicaX

ReplicaX

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Rosin Core (has flux)

I use flux for through holes with larger pads, like Flyback pins etc and older pads that are pesky.

A must for desoldering IMO though.

SRK tech forum can eat dicks, bunch of hot glue loving morons.
 
Xian Xi

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shadows said:
For through hole, no. You should be using flux/rosin cored solder anyway, so you dont need to add extra flux.
Unless you are doing something wrong, either with the technique or the tools being used are no good enough .It is not necessary for through hole components.
Click to expand...

Exactly this.

only time I use flux on through hole is if I am trying to remove solder from a through hole and I feel lazy to get the 808 out and just use the desoldering braid.
 
goombakid

goombakid

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Agreed with shadows.

I've always used rosin core solder for my projects. Tutorials that say you NEED flux to complete a simple wiring job before you solder is for complete n00bs. Flux isn't needed for what you were doing, Lem. Eff those nay sayers at SRK.

Is there a good place to get rosin core solder from or brand? I'm just using Rat Shack stuff, ATM.
 
werejag

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not using the right tip, the right size solder, not the right temp or a combo of these are why most use flux on everything. flux should be used rarely external to whats in rosin core flux.
 
shadows

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Is there a good place to get rosin core solder from or brand? I'm just using Rat Shack stuff, ATM.
Click to expand...
Kester 44 or 245 and something with a small diameter around .020

not using the right tip, the right size solder, not the right temp or a combo of these are why most use flux on everything. flux should be used rarely external to whats in rosin core flux.
Click to expand...
Exactly.

Also if you have a conical tip, get rid of it and get a small screwdriver style one like 1/16". Which is perfect for must things, and a bigger one 3/16" for parts with a big thermal mass. It makes a huge difference.
 
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