What really made a difference early on was switching from “mass market retailer” brand to high quality solder and flux, both Kester, and obviously perfecting soldering techniques.

Solder

  • Lead free? If that’s your preference, but more difficult to work with (find that video that talks about wetting, solidifying, etc. and how the 63/37 melts at a medium rate but solidifies fairly quickly)

Flux

  • When to use it: Always, including desoldering, and even with rosin-core solder.
  • When to clean it: ASAP
  • Liquid or paste? Paste. Liquid tends to be messy and sticky; after all, it’s tree sap…
  • How much? Enough to coat the surfaces subject to wetting; any more is unncessary

[Pending…]

  • Tip: Solder technique:
  • Tin
  • Flick & wipe
  • Solder

  • Repeat

  • Stopped using goldilocks after a bit - wore out solder tips fairly quickly.
  • Trick is very often wipe with sponge. Dont’ bother with the “official” sponges; use a new dish sponge (used ones smell)
  • Solder tip temp (for soldering & desoldering)

What I use

  • Solder: Kester “44”
    • Silver: 63%
    • Lead: 37%
    • Rosin core: Yes
    • Diameter: 0.031” (0.79mm)
  • Flux:
    • Kester with syringe-like appplicator
    • Always use flux even with rosin core