Displaying reviews posted
by certified DX gadget owners first, followed by all other posted reviews.
Great low heat solder paste
Posted by
ABCellers
on 1/22/2010
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Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
1 week to 1 month
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Pros: This is a great low heat solder paste. It melts at approximately 183 °C (361 °F). That is very good for avoiding the thermal breakdown point of your electronic components. It flows quickly and evenly, no bridging on integrated circuits. The metal content by volume has to be somewhere around 90%, based on the character of its performance. It has great viscosity. It sticks where you put it. I have used this for soldering speakers to the DS Lite upper LCD. I have also incorporated it for SMD component replacement and reflow work. The product consistently produces a strong, neat bond with low heat. Due to the the metals incorporated in this product there is no need to worry about tin whiskers when using it with integrated circuits and reflow work.
Cons: The flux component is not "no clean". This is why I gave it a 4 on "ease of use" and "build qualiy" ratings. But for the price you can't have everything. The consistent strong, clean joints it produces far out weighs the fact you have to clean the rosin off the board. Just use a good quality rubbing alcohol and a brush or Q-tip to clean the board.
Other Thoughts: I have had great performance from this product whether working with a soldering iron, SMD rework station or convection oven.
There is enough of the product to last the average hobbyist a long time. Keep the container sealed well in the refrigerator when not using to prevent the separation of metal and flux.
Bottomline: This product is great for repair work or new builds due to the consistent high quality performance. The product performance and low price far out weigh the fact you have to clean the board when you are done soldering.
Cheap and works, but reserved to experts
Posted by
Otatiaro
on 1/19/2010
Involvement:
Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
1 week to 1 month
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Pros: It works. It's a soldering paste (not flux). Leaded.
When used pure it's not quite easy to use but just add some home made flux (based on colophony violin rosin found here) and it becomes more sticky and easier to use.
Cons: This is not something everybody can use. You need a minimum of tools and experience to use it well. A very good soldering iron is mandatory, a hot air gun is a must, tweezers, flux, etc and advanced knowledge of soldering.
Bottomline: If you know what it is and how to use it, then you should be happy with it. If you ask yourself what it is for, just don't buy.
very good paste
Posted by
vilmas
on 1/14/2010
Involvement:
Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
more than 1 month
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Pros: If you need paste, this works. It's inexpensive. It's probably more than enough to last most casual hobbyists for a very long time. (Most people will probably lose this bottle before the product actually runs out.)
Cons: -great amount of product, will last for a while
-not much fumes
-takes a while to evaporate,so you won't need to add more flux
-it has some viscosity, it will stay where you put it
-shiny solders
Other Thoughts: i have been usin this one for more than a month, soldering SMD componets without hot air gun. It works perfectly and you'll get no bridges between leads
Bottomline: have seen lower quality fluxes for twice the money
Simply great!
Posted by
Corail
on 6/8/2009
Involvement:
Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
less than 1 day
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Pros: Thick solder paste that works lika a charm. Easy to use and apply. 63% tin and 37% lead (plus additional flux, to form a paste)
Just dip the solderpoints in it, hold in place and gently touch with well heated soldering iron. Reduces heat transfer to components plus giving really small and firm solderpoints.
Cons: But...none!
Other Thoughts: Someone wrote a question about the amount of paste in the tin. It seems correct as it wheight is 55 grams in total. (can and lid included)
Bottomline: Throw away your standard soldering wire, this is the real deal.