Electronics > Beginners
Soldering tip melts
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Keosintal:

--- Quote from: Ian.M on February 02, 2019, 01:05:46 pm ---Throw that flux paste away (or put it with your plumbing tools) and get electronics grade RMA (Rosin) flux, free from zinc, mineral acids, chlorides or other halides.

--- End quote ---

Can I get away without using any paste? Choice of supplies is limited in my small town, and that Burnley is the only choice available. BTW, I bought it from electronics store so I absolutely did not expect it to be something harmful for electronics.
Psi:
Need to sort out terminology. I'm not entirely sure what you are referring to when you say "Paste"
Saying "paste" should always refer to 'solder paste' the stuff that looks like gray toothpaste.
If instead it's clear/yellow then it's either flux gel or liquid flux.


Paste = solder paste, a mix of flux and tiny balls of solder used for soldering surface mount parts with hot air
Flux = a clear/yellow liquid or gel that you can add to joints to help improve soldering
Solder = A metal wire that melts under 450C/842F and has  flux embedded inside it. It comes in two main categories, acid core solder for plumbing and electrical solder for electronics

Adding extra Flux is somewhat optional.
You don't have to add liquid/gel flux as all solder sold for electronic use already contains flux. However flux does improve soldering quality so using it is a good idea if the parts to be soldered are old or not clean. It also make surface mount soldering easier by reducing bridging between pins. 


--- Quote from: Keosintal on February 02, 2019, 01:40:29 pm ---BTW, I bought it from electronics store so I absolutely did not expect it to be something harmful for electronics.

--- End quote ---
It is entirely possible that this electronics store does not know they have purchased, and are selling, acid core flux or solder. It wouldn't be the first time that has happened.
Ian.M:
Paste is a generic term for the composition of a substance.  Solder paste is totally different from flux paste (and from toothpaste  :-DD ).   A paste is non-homogeneous and usually contains finely divided solids.  A gel is homogeneous and is usually more or less transparent.  Paste and gel fluxes are very similar. 

In electronics, 'paste' on its own *usually* refers to solder paste, but the first time you mention it in any document or discussion, you should always use the full name to avoid ambiguity.
Psi:
Just trying to avoid confusion.
I totally agree that the definition of the word 'paste' just describes the density of a liquid.
However i think almost all engineers will assume 'solder paste' if someone just says 'paste'. Or says that they applied some paste.
Keosintal:

--- Quote from: tooki on February 02, 2019, 01:05:59 pm ---For the solder: Either rosin or no-clean (I generally prefer rosin), and if it’s just for hobby use, get a quality leaded 63/37 or 62/36/2 (silver-bearing) solder from a quality brand like Kester, MG Chemicals, Multicore/Loctite, Stannol, or Felder.

--- End quote ---

Yeah my choices here is pretty limited. Only 3 kind of solders are available to me:
1. Locally made with no label of information. This one produces shiny joint which I learn is good.
2. Leaded 60/40 rosin core. This one produces dull/matte finish which I learn indicates poor quality leaded solder
3. Goot lead free. I'm uncertain of the details because I never check it out since I always avoid lead free solder after watching YouTube and reading forums saying bad things about them.
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