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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Soldering Flux

I have recently been doing some soldering and since my 20 year old tin of Fluxite is virtually empty I went to B & Q to buy some more. The only stuff available was for use with capillary plumbing fittings and unleaded solder. I tried some of this out when sweating two pieces of brass together with a flame and it was excellent. I could see it reacting/cleaning the brass before the solder ran. However when I tried to tin my soldering iron it was useless and I had to revert to the dreggs of my Fluxite. I suspect the modern flux needs a higher temperature to work and a sldering iron is not hot enough to activate it. I will try to tin the iron, when it needs it, by actually holding it in a flame as the solder is melted onto it to see if this works. I don't know what I will do with my electic soldering iron though. Even with filing the bit, multicore solder doesn't allways wet the copper and a quick dip in Fluxite is needed.

I also tried lead free solder and this worked OK but I found my soldering iron did not remelt the solder if I ran it back over the joint. It appears that the solder is reacting with the base metal and its melting point is raised.

Perhaps a metalurgist out there can comment?

Happy Christmas to all


Jan T
J Targosz

Jan- You could try dipping your iron into some salt, that works -- sometimes
And yes the aluminium based solder does seem to like a lot more temp. to get it moving again once it's set on the job---probably a better condutor and transfers the heat into the job more than lead does--I've noticed that heat travels up the stick of solder more than with the old lead based sticks.

Happy Christmas
willy
William Revit

It's depressing when when trusted brands like Fluxite modern versions don't perform as expected.

Still if you don't mind shelling out, you can get a nos tin of fluxite original for 19 quid. 😶

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/986310456/vintage-fluxite-soldering-paste-old-tin



anamnesis

Is it NOS, or just an ‘old tin’?
Dave O'Neill 2

The main ingredient in Fluxite and Bakers fluid is zinc chloride so you could brew your own, it's what my metal smithing tutor did and what all the students used in his classes for soft soldering, further information can be found on the internet. Another I use for pewter and other metals for soft soldering is glycerine with some hydrochloric acid added, I can look up the ratio if interested.
David Billington

Probably empty Dave.

But this one's got some in, and it's 'cheap'.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305295839812


anamnesis

Best 10 Soldering Flux For Electronics

https://www.raypcb.com/best-soldering-flux/

If we can get them in the uk that is.
anamnesis

Here's a uk based company. Sells all types of solder and flux.

Their faq answers all your questions too Jan.

https://soldersandfluxes.co.uk/faqs/

anamnesis

Lead/tin flux cored solder wire still readily available for electronics.
Bill Bretherton

“ Lead/tin flux cored solder wire still readily available for electronics.”

I tried ordering some from R/S, but they removed it from my order, as they said I wasn’t a ‘professional’.

I will have a word with the buying department at work, see if they can order me some.
Dave O'Neill 2

Dave,

I got some from RS 6/2021 and I recall some information about professional use only but it went through anyway and arrived along with some lead free electronic solder, maybe they've tightened things up since. The previous roll of lead bearing electronic solder lasted me over 30 years so I expect this one will see out my needs and I have the choice of which use. The package included a 11 page SDS for the leaded solder and 7 for the lead free so toxicity information for Pb, Sn, Ag, and Cu.
David Billington

Dave, I searched ebay and got a few matches. Bet those suppliers don't ask if you're "professional"!

Like David, I have an older reel of lead/tin fluxed solder with still quite a bit left fortunately. I've survived the fumes up till now!
Bill Bretherton

Use a block of Sal Amoniac. Bring your iron up to temperature then rub the tip on the block of Sal Amoniac to clean it and then add some solder to the tip. It should flow and turn the tip to tin all sides.
J D Davis

JD
I mentioned using salt early on but i think it went through to the keeper - it works usually
William Revit

There is a supplier in Glasgow that sells proper, methylene chloride paint stripper, not the useless B&Q stuff. They will not sell any to me though because I am not a professional painter and decorator. What sort of professional do you need to be to by solder though?

Jan T
J Targosz

The old definition of a professional was someone that got paid for what they did. Hence 'the oldest profession' That, of itself doesn't relate to a standard of work though in times past you would need to be in a Guild, which meant having had to serve a lengthy apprenticeship.
Perhaps Jan, you could convince them you get paid for your soldering work, and are therefore a Professional.
GuyW

I've found the email that I received from RS about my solder.

It was 2020.

Nice job title BTW...

Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed between 23/12/2023 and 30/01/2024

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