So I had heard that for PTH soldering flux isn’t needed, but, hell if I can manage it. I use and abuse that flux pen I’ve got to get things together nicely. I’m thinking it might be that I’m using wire cored with a no-clean flux so maybe that’s the problem. (Kester 275, lead-free)
So, what’s your favorite solder and why? Is no-clean a scam? Yeah yeah, I’m probably going to get crap for going lead-free but it’s a bit of a preference.
Flux is definitely needed for PTH boards.
The no-clean flux isn’t very active. You’d be better off using solder with a more active flux, but you will probably need to clean the boards.
I like using an RMA tacky flux. You do need to clean the board very well, but you can limit where the flux goes.
Applekid:
So I had heard that for PTH soldering flux isn’t needed, but, hell if I can manage it. I use and abuse that flux pen I’ve got to get things together nicely. I’m thinking it might be that I’m using wire cored with a no-clean flux so maybe that’s the problem. (Kester 275, lead-free)So, what’s your favorite solder and why? Is no-clean a scam? Yeah yeah, I’m probably going to get crap for going lead-free but it’s a bit of a preference.
With PTH soldering flux is a must (dipping). If hand soldering most roll solder has some kind of rosin core which provides the flux.
If your want to go lead-free “multi-core” solder is the way to go. I think they have the best lead-free solder for hand soldering. It is more expensive, but if you have a nice soldering station (really needed for lead-free), you will never regret using multi-core solder.
Just as a note. The only place in the US which I have found sells it, is Newark. They like all their products, so be prepared for the price.
James L
I started with lead free and moved to leaded and found it far easier with leaded, but due to that I had developed better soldering skills by using lead-free in the first place as it was harder to flow (and I wasn’t using flux of any kind lol).
I use 0.2mm leaded solder from Newark (well, Farnell over here, same company) and liquid flux and now find pretty much all SMD and PTH stuff a doddle. I’ve just done a T8/0.5mm pitch home made board and soldered all the bits using the 0.2mm solder fairly easily.
I do find the liquid flux a bit of a pain to clean with IPA sometimes though - not because of the IPA, but because of any PTH stuff coming through the top giving rough edges making it hard for any tissue/cloth/sponge to wipe the board well without ripping the sponge to bits.
lukemalpass:
I started with lead free and moved to leaded and found it far easier with leaded, but due to that I had developed better soldering skills by using lead-free in the first place as it was harder to flow (and I wasn’t using flux of any kind lol).I use 0.2mm leaded solder from Newark (well, Farnell over here, same company) and liquid flux and now find pretty much all SMD and PTH stuff a doddle. I’ve just done a T8/0.5mm pitch home made board and soldered all the bits using the 0.2mm solder fairly easily.
I do find the liquid flux a bit of a pain to clean with IPA sometimes though - not because of the IPA, but because of any PTH stuff coming through the top giving rough edges making it hard for any tissue/cloth/sponge to wipe the board well without ripping the sponge to bits.
Use an old toothbrush, it makes easy work of cleaning flux and it gets in all the gaps. Make sure it is an old one, they just dont taste the same after cleaning flux 
:lol: thats a good idea. I’ve tried sponged, cloths, paper towels, paint brushes (too soft)… never thought of a toothbrooth good tip.
I keep shifting alliances in solder. In the Bad Old Days of Radio Shack firestarters, I did use Radio Shack solder, no flux. And I’ve got the cables and simple protoboards that were either destroyed or continue to work despite themselves.
I keep reading how leaded is better and I’m real tempted but I’d much rather try the best lead-free stuff I can find before giving up. Maybe if I come up with something useful some day I’d like to sell assembled stuff and that might be a problem down the road.
Also, I can’t manage to clean flux residue with a toothbrush without liquid splattering everywhere. I might need a splatter shield. 