What solder do you guys use?

[AndrewT]

Hi,
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE and polycarbonate, oops, isn't that what many caps were made of until they recently stopped producing the film.

 

[poobah]

Yes Sir,

But I never use 'em. Polypropylene has 'em whupped.

 

[anatech]

Hi poobah,

But I never use 'em. Polypropylene has 'em whupped.

I respectfully disagree. Their performance is fairly close except for the heat issue.

-Chris

 

[zlast]

flux remover

Something that works very well for removing flux, common household cleaners for removing crayon/grease..."goo-gone" with an old toothbrush really leaves the old pcb shiny...anyone else tried this..?

 

[rdf]

Methyl hydrate + Q-tip fan here.

 

[poobah]

I respectfully disagree

Wookiees aren't respectable anyway.

 

[AndrewT]

Hi,
when carbonate was available it beat propylene on cost and size.
But propylene is getting cheaper nut not smaller, except in low voltage versions.

Now, size & cost forces one to select ethylene which cannot approach carbonate on specs.

 

[poobah]

ethylene... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww -

 

[anatech]

Hi Andrew,
I found the polycarbonate caps just great for the tube stuff I do. Those I miss most of all because I can't afford to buy stock on the other poly sisters.

Wookiees aren't respectable anyway.

Well, I wasn't going to say anything. But since you mention it!

-Chris

 

[poobah]

Chris,

Do you mean to say that you are not using Teflon-silver-foil for your tube stuff?

 

[anatech]

Ahhhhhhhh, I was wrapping the tubes in it. What are you supposed to do

It sparks if you get it too close to the base. Some times it slips down and makes the speakers go bang! The foil sinks after a while, smells like burning plastic.

-Chris

 

[poobah]

You're just being silly now...

 

[anatech]

What can I say???

 

[macboy]

Flux remover (like Electrowash 2000) or lacquer thinner. They both work very well. I use a tooth brush or cotton swab.

-Chris

Brake cleaner from an auto parts store works very well and it is cheap.

Something you want to do outside though... causes cancer in California I'm sure.

It will destroy acrylics... but these aren't used in electronics...

Never used it with polystyrenes though... those things are soooo tender.

It causes cancer everywhere actually. I get the joke, but actually it is no joke. Most solvents are very dangerous to your health, whether by inhaling fumes or by absorption through skin.

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol with a stiff-bristle nylon brush and Q-tips. Don't use the 70% or 90% stuff, get 99% or higher; it really does make a difference. You can get a pint of 99% at a drugstore/pharmacy for about $3. It is cheap, very effective, and safe(r). Just don't drink it. And don't forget that unlike some artificial solvents, this stuff is violently flammable. I have an expensive can of MG Chemicals flux remover spray, but the 99% isopropanol is just as effective so I use it.

 

[poobah]

I agree about the solvents. Ovulating women have acetone in their breath. I have learned twice now the dangerous, long-lasting, and expensive side effects of that.

 

[anatech]

Poobah!

You didn't ask? Poor sod.

 

[rdf]

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol with a stiff-bristle nylon brush and Q-tips. Don't use the 70% or 90% stuff, get 99% or higher; it really does make a difference. You can get a pint of 99% at a drugstore/pharmacy .....

Also for those who don't already know, no rubbing alcohol! It contains skin-friendly, electronics-unfriendly additives.

 

[poobah]

I can reckognize that smell clearly now... and will sleep on the couch thank you...

 

[jneutron]

I can reckognize that smell clearly now... and will sleep on the couch thank you...

Sleeping had little to do with it...

John

 

[poobah]

shu'p John...

Maybe I should wrapped my tube?