I was looking for a solution for pre-tinning my DIY PCB boards. One way to do this is by reflowing solder paste. Another very cool use is repairing brass instruments - like trumpets, trombones and tubas, because all you need to do is heat up a joint with the paste in place and it magically bonds at the right temperature.
If you go on EBay and search for solder paste - the pro stuff costs an arm and a leg for small amounts, so I was wondering if it is possible to make entry grade solder paste at home. After looking at several forums, I found a forum conversation in which someone used shavings from a filed block of solder mixed with solder flux to create paste, and reported it as success. I decided to recreate this, and in the process discovered that it is much easier than i thought. And the bonus is that working with the pre-tinned pcbs is so much easier, soldering times are now significantly reduced.
WARNING: THIS PROJECT INVOLVES FILING SOLDER - WHICH IS AT LEAST 40% LEAD. WORK IN WELL VENTILATED AREA AND WEAR A FACE MASK AND GLOVES. ALSO MAKE SURE LEAD DOES NOT END UP IN FOOD.
Also read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning
What you will need:
1) Solid Solder - 50-50 or 60-40. You can use solder that has flux in it - as long at it is NOT acid based flux which will corrode your components
2) A medium to fine file - the finer the file - more work but better quality paste
3) Solder Flux - also called "solder paste" but do not confuse this with real solder paste. Make sure it is not acid based for intended for soldering! Radio shack sell some of this stuff.
4) a toaster oven, fire, or oven.
This instructable has 12 steps.
If you go on EBay and search for solder paste - the pro stuff costs an arm and a leg for small amounts, so I was wondering if it is possible to make entry grade solder paste at home. After looking at several forums, I found a forum conversation in which someone used shavings from a filed block of solder mixed with solder flux to create paste, and reported it as success. I decided to recreate this, and in the process discovered that it is much easier than i thought. And the bonus is that working with the pre-tinned pcbs is so much easier, soldering times are now significantly reduced.
WARNING: THIS PROJECT INVOLVES FILING SOLDER - WHICH IS AT LEAST 40% LEAD. WORK IN WELL VENTILATED AREA AND WEAR A FACE MASK AND GLOVES. ALSO MAKE SURE LEAD DOES NOT END UP IN FOOD.
Also read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning
What you will need:
1) Solid Solder - 50-50 or 60-40. You can use solder that has flux in it - as long at it is NOT acid based flux which will corrode your components
2) A medium to fine file - the finer the file - more work but better quality paste
3) Solder Flux - also called "solder paste" but do not confuse this with real solder paste. Make sure it is not acid based for intended for soldering! Radio shack sell some of this stuff.
4) a toaster oven, fire, or oven.
This instructable has 12 steps.
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Signing UpStep 1: Prepare solder bits for melting
1) Cut the solder into strips or pieces
2) Put in aluminium foil. fold the foil a few layers thick so no solder will leak out and mess up your nice toaster oven or stove or leak on something important like your foot
3) Form a makeshift "pan" or "boat"
2) Put in aluminium foil. fold the foil a few layers thick so no solder will leak out and mess up your nice toaster oven or stove or leak on something important like your foot
3) Form a makeshift "pan" or "boat"
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I was going to try it with 60/40 as its got a smaller plastic range, but seeing your post I think best option would be to go for 63/37 as it has no plastic range at all and solder melts exactly at 191degree Celsius. Though I do still think that I'll have to make my own flux (with 80~85% Rosin powder with 20~15% isopropyl alcohol by weight) the market version is made for the newer solders (95/5) usually.
But the solder didn't melt.
The flux did flow though!
I even cranked up my hot air station to the max, the solder still didn't melt or attach to the board. (only a reallllllllllllly tiny bit did).
It's 60/40 solder.
The flux is a rosin paste (the fake amtech one found on ebay)
What might I be doing wrong?
Thanks a Million dflam !!!
Also @ dustinandrews;
DUDE !
Please could you email me a picture or a few pictures of your $10 griddle for reflow soldering as i REALLY want to get into that without paying THOUSANDS for the BIG HEAVY machinery or Desktop reflow station with a HUGE price tag !!
Really need to see how youve hacked together this griddle, ohh please please please take some juicy pictures and even a few of it in action lol !!
Many thanks in advance & Again @ dflam - Best-idea-Since-SLICED-BREAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just crank it up to about 375 and set the boards on it. Here is a video of it in "action".