Another thing you been saying for years email your info and I get you started in classes and even send some of your tools !!!!!!!!’ Up to date still haven’t heard from you ? Way to goooo BUD
When I was learning to solder as a teenager. I would get so mad and give up on projects. Then one day I was at hardware store buying a new soldering iron convinced that it was the issue. this like 80 year old Navy vet saw me looking at them came over and asked if I had any experience soldering . I told him how hard of a time I was having soldering he explained to me what flux was. Told me to try that instead of buying a new iron... Boy was he right. I wish I could back in time and thank him again because I probably would have given up electronics if I had bought a new iron and still couldn't do it. Its crazy how small encounters can change the course of someone's life.
Newsflash, this isn’t something new people! Been doing the flux thing for over thirty five years. Don’t do lead free or anything but Kester 282 63/37 and Kester 186 liquid flux. AIM, Alpha Metals and Multicore also make top drawer products to. Been doing this DOD STD 2000-1 thing since 1985. I know there is a new J STD out, but who has $5-6K to spend on a training session when what I have been doing is equivalent to level 3 of the J STD for the same period. It is about owning your work and only doing it first rate always. Justin is an inspiration to me even though I do mainly thru hole work and some SMDs. Doing his level is fascinating to me. I can learn something new each video. Good job Justin! Keep it up! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
I tried to learn soldering while following a Xbox modding tutorial and I couldn’t find flux at Walmart so I just went along without it . Then I learned the hard way the importance of flux
Same I literally broke the first xbox i tried to mod but after some practice on that same motherboard I messed up I was able to smoothly mod the second one!
I highly recommend against using the pens for flux. It doesn't really put enough on the board to make any difference and just using no flux works almost as well. Also the mass of the tip makes a massive difference when soldering. If you're trying to solder a large contact with a small tip it's always going to be a nightmare. I would say using the correct tip is even more important than using flux.
Agreed; the correct size and shape of the tip for the job at hand makes a huge difference. Using the largest tip that is practical for the job at hand will heat the connection faster and more evenly, preventing cold solder connections and foil pads lifting off the board. The conical tips supplied as a defacto standard with most soldering irons or stations are almost always inadequate or just plain wrong for hobbyists and production manufacturers alike. Every solderer should have a selection of "chisel" tips (sometimes referred to as "screwdriver" tips nowadays). Even less well understood by many hobbyists is the importance of the material the tips are made of ---- buying a dozen tips for $20 is a surefire way to get cheap tips made of iron or steel throughout instead of plated copper. I posted a video about this on my channel recently; it's easy to discern good tips from bad with a magnet, and most tips purchased online will fail the test. I try to tell people not to buy tips, flux or solder from Amazon, AliExpress orTemu, but some people refuse to listen even though I have 55 years of soldering experience and was an audio-equipment repair tech for 20 years. PS, I also posted a review and teardown of a $45 Harbor Freight soldering station that is surprisingly effective (especially if you buy better tips for it).
Oh well, my training taught me to match the flux I use based on the flux core in the solder I am using. Brand matching the flux and solder yields the best results as their chemistries are as matched as they can be. I’m not saying that you cannot use a different flux than your solder’s core. It will not be consistent in the process. Since I learned to solder to DOD STD 2000-1, their are no compromises utilizing this standard. The reason for using the same extra flux as your solder’s core has to do with both compatibility and consistency in the end product. Not bucking your method as it works for you. We don’t have to agree on process methodology to understand the necessity of using extra flux as a helper. Your video shows the flux doing it’s job and it’s effect on the work. Cleaning the area both before and after with 99% isopropyl alcohol is a must because it doesn’t harm the plastic or metal parts and it dries without residue. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
Thanks, Justin. It is hard for me to take anyone seriously that does not use plenty of flux. I have some of that Amtech flux vacuum sealed in the fridge. I also like MG Chemicals #835, but it is harder to clean up. I don't mean to pick on you, but you forgot to wet your iron tip with a little solder.
Just saw 2 RUclipsrs not use flux while desoldering. Switch and Click and Optimum Tech. Switch was using an expensive Hakko desoldering gun and Optimum had a nice wireless kit. They didn't use solder tip cleaner, sponges, stands, or a silicone mat. Then acted like it's normal. I wonder how many gaming mice and keyboard PCBs their viewers melt.
Ok, i can dump the fake shit i bought. It is not cleaning at all. Gonna get me some real flux. Thanks again buddy. Awesome lessons. This channel deserves way more views. RUclips boost this guy will yah.
You're an excellent teacher. Thank you so much for explaining this concisely. You're totally right, I was wondering what type of flux to buy and ways of applying it to the board.
... and remember to tin the tip of your solder more often when using flux (this is why the other two joints was not so prone/fast to melt even if "fluxed").
Hi, is that why my soldering always is pointy ,not curved in the finish? i just thought because the wire had flux in it i didnt need flux no more. Thanx for sharing.!
I appreciate this compliment a lot! Iv always wanted to be a teacher and am happy that RUclips allows me to connect with everyone this way:) glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to see you in the comments section again!
That picture of the spaceman is me😂😂😂 I’ve been wondering for years why I struggle to solder on cars I’m an auto tech and ended up just going with crimp connections etc for years and alternating but back to the soldering iron it is😂 flux man worst bit about it I did a gas engineering course and used flux to solder pipes never put 2 and 2 together😂
I was using a cheap flux and the result was always a bridge between small pins no matter how much i put lol even when using desoldering wick the flux has no effect, it felt just like water floating on the pcb, then i tried a different brand and now soldering is more easy but the smell is much stronger and it's so sticky doesn't look nice on the board
sounds like not enough heat or thermal energy is getting to the board. go watch my video on thermal linkage =) ruclips.net/video/fyubbmmvBu4/видео.html&ab_channel=TheArtofRepair
Question. How do you reflow broken solders joints in whethered board-with some kind of coating over it? Is the coating needs to be removed 1st,then flux applied with heat gun to repair properly?
Flux provides capillary action that allows the solder to flow . If you want a really good flux, go with nokorode, black label.. 😅😂 it's what plumbers use.. DON'T USE IT ON ELECTRONICS. ..although i do just for wires. I repaired my COMCAST COAX cable after my dogs chewed through and its still going strong. I thought I was going to have to fix it again by now but no problems after more than 7 years. Flux carries heat only to the extent of its boiling point. Many beginners will boil off all their flux then wonder why the solder isn't flowing. Are you also using flux cored solder?
Flux core solder doesnt exist it seems at the diameters we are using for microsodlering only larger stuff. But When applicable sure, and yes I agree flux is only a thermal carrier until it evaporates =)
@TheArtofRepair I've got a spool of flux core solder that's almost like hair. Flux provides the capillary action that the solder travels on. It breaks the surface tension of the molten solder
@@jdog4534 I’m aware of this. I just don’t feel it’s sufficient. Flux core solder always leaves me wanting. So it’s better to add more flux. I think that flux core solder alloy is not as effective as you state in practice. Feel free to share your hair like alloy with flux in it though. I don’t mind to check out something new :)
i was doing 0201 capacitors and it wasant sticking it wasant bonding to the pad properly and it looked all cracked and messy bareley held on the there used flux and i was doing 2-4 0201 caps a minute no problem
I have not worked on these before but I could theorize based on a few minutes of looking into this that they are very sensitive and flux could cause corrosion or issues of “blockage” if not cleaned externally carefully after solder work. But truthfully I have never worked on them before and my anwser is a “best guess” as usually situations where flux is “not recommended” is based on those issues. Did someone tell you this or did many people and online forum groups mention this? Can you give me some direct model number examples and I’ll do my best to read more into this for you 💪
@@TheArtofRepair Ive got 2 that I like myself. Chipquik SMD291 and MG chemicals 8341. Both are nice because you pick them on mouser or whatever parts supplier and not have to worry about fake flux. I like Am Tech but to many fakes out there.
Don’t worry. I have/did :) Currently editing over 200 new videos. I just tend to spend a lot of time traveling the world visiting shops and working with industry people these days so it’s hard sometimes to create the videos like I want. Good news is I’ve already shot all the new videos. It’s all just editing now :)
Another thing you been saying for years email your info and I get you started in classes and even send some of your tools !!!!!!!!’ Up to date still haven’t heard from you ? Way to goooo BUD
sounds like you didn't check any of the info already present on all that stuff or you would know the answer you seek.
When I was learning to solder as a teenager. I would get so mad and give up on projects. Then one day I was at hardware store buying a new soldering iron convinced that it was the issue. this like 80 year old Navy vet saw me looking at them came over and asked if I had any experience soldering . I told him how hard of a time I was having soldering he explained to me what flux was. Told me to try that instead of buying a new iron... Boy was he right. I wish I could back in time and thank him again because I probably would have given up electronics if I had bought a new iron and still couldn't do it. Its crazy how small encounters can change the course of someone's life.
What an awesome story! Flux really is that important! 💪
Thanks for the shout out Justin we appreciate it, We do try our best to bring great products to the industry to make the job easier for all you guys.
Newsflash, this isn’t something new people! Been doing the flux thing for over thirty five years. Don’t do lead free or anything but Kester 282 63/37 and Kester 186 liquid flux. AIM, Alpha Metals and Multicore also make top drawer products to. Been doing this DOD STD 2000-1 thing since 1985. I know there is a new J STD out, but who has $5-6K to spend on a training session when what I have been doing is equivalent to level 3 of the J STD for the same period. It is about owning your work and only doing it first rate always. Justin is an inspiration to me even though I do mainly thru hole work and some SMDs. Doing his level is fascinating to me. I can learn something new each video. Good job Justin! Keep it up! Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
I tried to learn soldering while following a Xbox modding tutorial and I couldn’t find flux at Walmart so I just went along without it . Then I learned the hard way the importance of flux
Same I literally broke the first xbox i tried to mod but after some practice on that same motherboard I messed up I was able to smoothly mod the second one!
I highly recommend against using the pens for flux. It doesn't really put enough on the board to make any difference and just using no flux works almost as well. Also the mass of the tip makes a massive difference when soldering. If you're trying to solder a large contact with a small tip it's always going to be a nightmare. I would say using the correct tip is even more important than using flux.
Agreed; the correct size and shape of the tip for the job at hand makes a huge difference. Using the largest tip that is practical for the job at hand will heat the connection faster and more evenly, preventing cold solder connections and foil pads lifting off the board. The conical tips supplied as a defacto standard with most soldering irons or stations are almost always inadequate or just plain wrong for hobbyists and production manufacturers alike. Every solderer should have a selection of "chisel" tips (sometimes referred to as "screwdriver" tips nowadays). Even less well understood by many hobbyists is the importance of the material the tips are made of ---- buying a dozen tips for $20 is a surefire way to get cheap tips made of iron or steel throughout instead of plated copper. I posted a video about this on my channel recently; it's easy to discern good tips from bad with a magnet, and most tips purchased online will fail the test. I try to tell people not to buy tips, flux or solder from Amazon, AliExpress orTemu, but some people refuse to listen even though I have 55 years of soldering experience and was an audio-equipment repair tech for 20 years. PS, I also posted a review and teardown of a $45 Harbor Freight soldering station that is surprisingly effective (especially if you buy better tips for it).
Useful stuff! Thanks! I've a somewhat new convert. This extra verse was helpful.
Oh well, my training taught me to match the flux I use based on the flux core in the solder I am using. Brand matching the flux and solder yields the best results as their chemistries are as matched as they can be. I’m not saying that you cannot use a different flux than your solder’s core. It will not be consistent in the process. Since I learned to solder to DOD STD 2000-1, their are no compromises utilizing this standard. The reason for using the same extra flux as your solder’s core has to do with both compatibility and consistency in the end product. Not bucking your method as it works for you. We don’t have to agree on process methodology to understand the necessity of using extra flux as a helper. Your video shows the flux doing it’s job and it’s effect on the work. Cleaning the area both before and after with 99% isopropyl alcohol is a must because it doesn’t harm the plastic or metal parts and it dries without residue. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
THANK YOU I WISH I CAN THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL THE VIDEOS, I Know it will take some time but I will over all of them.
Thank you for leaving such an awesome comment and watching my videos! let me know when you're caught up! =D
Thanks, Justin. It is hard for me to take anyone seriously that does not use plenty of flux. I have some of that Amtech flux vacuum sealed in the fridge.
I also like MG Chemicals #835, but it is harder to clean up.
I don't mean to pick on you, but you forgot to wet your iron tip with a little solder.
Just saw 2 RUclipsrs not use flux while desoldering. Switch and Click and Optimum Tech. Switch was using an expensive Hakko desoldering gun and Optimum had a nice wireless kit. They didn't use solder tip cleaner, sponges, stands, or a silicone mat. Then acted like it's normal. I wonder how many gaming mice and keyboard PCBs their viewers melt.
Ok, i can dump the fake shit i bought. It is not cleaning at all. Gonna get me some real flux. Thanks again buddy. Awesome lessons. This channel deserves way more views. RUclips boost this guy will yah.
You're an excellent teacher. Thank you so much for explaining this concisely. You're totally right, I was wondering what type of flux to buy and ways of applying it to the board.
Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad to hear you overcame the hurdle. Curious to hear your success in future comments!
Hey dude great tips! Flux is KEY to a successful job!
heck yea bro! glad to see you over here! =D
Love to hear the loyal John McKenzie's name being mentioned lovely man love his stuff, Also love your videos Justin
hes got good flux and cool ideas that's for sure.
... and remember to tin the tip of your solder more often when using flux (this is why the other two joints was not so prone/fast to melt even if "fluxed").
Hi, is that why my soldering always is pointy ,not curved in the finish? i just thought because the wire had flux in it i didnt need flux no more. Thanx for sharing.!
You should have been a college prof. Excellent teaching.
I appreciate this compliment a lot! Iv always wanted to be a teacher and am happy that RUclips allows me to connect with everyone this way:) glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to see you in the comments section again!
Awesome video man... thanks
Thanks for the video although not happy with how the shop page its annoying unable to register
Regards
That picture of the spaceman is me😂😂😂 I’ve been wondering for years why I struggle to solder on cars I’m an auto tech and ended up just going with crimp connections etc for years and alternating but back to the soldering iron it is😂 flux man worst bit about it I did a gas engineering course and used flux to solder pipes never put 2 and 2 together😂
Thanks Justin !!! Great video!!
Good info!
I was using a cheap flux and the result was always a bridge between small pins no matter how much i put lol even when using desoldering wick the flux has no effect, it felt just like water floating on the pcb, then i tried a different brand and now soldering is more easy but the smell is much stronger and it's so sticky doesn't look nice on the board
Hey Nice video!!! I was wondering, some cable do have 1.8% in them already!! Do you still need to use some extra flux?
I've got flux, and the solder just sticks to the iron, not the board or the terminal, I can't get this to flow into the board no matter what
sounds like not enough heat or thermal energy is getting to the board. go watch my video on thermal linkage =)
ruclips.net/video/fyubbmmvBu4/видео.html&ab_channel=TheArtofRepair
Question. How do you reflow broken solders joints in whethered board-with some kind of coating over it? Is the coating needs to be removed 1st,then flux applied with heat gun to repair properly?
Yea, coatings must be removed before you fix any joints. :)
And we always say, if your not fluxing your not soldering :)
Good luck:)
great job, amazing content as always
I keep trying to tell this to the company I work for. Especially when you're using lead free.
It's pointless because "experts" already know "everything" about literally everything...without knowing much or anything about anything.
@@ZlayaCo6aka Haha that's Engineers for you.
@@TySkinner And when they're finally forced to admit they're wrong, they label it "an anomaly."
Flux provides capillary action that allows the solder to flow . If you want a really good flux, go with nokorode, black label.. 😅😂 it's what plumbers use.. DON'T USE IT ON ELECTRONICS. ..although i do just for wires. I repaired my COMCAST COAX cable after my dogs chewed through and its still going strong. I thought I was going to have to fix it again by now but no problems after more than 7 years.
Flux carries heat only to the extent of its boiling point. Many beginners will boil off all their flux then wonder why the solder isn't flowing.
Are you also using flux cored solder?
Flux core solder doesnt exist it seems at the diameters we are using for microsodlering only larger stuff. But When applicable sure, and yes I agree flux is only a thermal carrier until it evaporates =)
@TheArtofRepair I've got a spool of flux core solder that's almost like hair. Flux provides the capillary action that the solder travels on. It breaks the surface tension of the molten solder
@@jdog4534 I’m aware of this. I just don’t feel it’s sufficient. Flux core solder always leaves me wanting. So it’s better to add more flux. I think that flux core solder alloy is not as effective as you state in practice.
Feel free to share your hair like alloy with flux in it though. I don’t mind to check out something new :)
i was doing 0201 capacitors and it wasant sticking it wasant bonding to the pad properly and it looked all cracked and messy bareley held on the there used flux and i was doing 2-4 0201 caps a minute no problem
if you could make a video of your process id love to try and help dan. can you PM me a video link to justin@artof.repair
Why do they not recommend using flux on model railroad decoders?
I have not worked on these before but I could theorize based on a few minutes of looking into this that they are very sensitive and flux could cause corrosion or issues of “blockage” if not cleaned externally carefully after solder work.
But truthfully I have never worked on them before and my anwser is a “best guess” as usually situations where flux is “not recommended” is based on those issues.
Did someone tell you this or did many people and online forum groups mention this? Can you give me some direct model number examples and I’ll do my best to read more into this for you 💪
What happens if soot gets inside the melted soldered wire when using flux?
When it’s liquid, the flux itself acts as a detergent and a barrier. It should push itself out of the joint.
Did you use any solution on the Q-Tip when you cleaned the flux or was it just a dry one?
Watch the video I talked about in the video about flux cleanup on my channel and it explains it All:)
Dude you could have just answered the question. Instead you tell Homey to watch another video of yours? Kinda Dickish don't you think?
How about comparing other flux brands?
I’m sure we can do something like that at some point. :)
@@TheArtofRepair Ive got 2 that I like myself. Chipquik SMD291 and MG chemicals 8341. Both are nice because you pick them on mouser or whatever parts supplier and not have to worry about fake flux. I like Am Tech but to many fakes out there.
mechanic 559 is also awesome
ive spent 5 hours trying to replace a ps5 joystick without flux
There is always flux in the solder, no??
Darn flux isn't working bro!
Or is it my lead free solder?
would you say you are a soldering nerd?
I mean Iv been called that before 😁
Isn't that solder paste ? because afaik flux should be yellow
Flux comes in many colors and tints of white and yellow and can even be pretty dark in some cases =)
@@TheArtofRepair thanks for the answer , I said it because I'm a beginner and I was wondering about that 😅
@@TheArtofRepair also I see you didn't use wire when using the solder iron , so flux can be used without a wire ? 🤔
@@spacenodus7959 flux can be used any time you need flux. sometimes you just need a little flux to fix an issue, not more solder.
For flux reference: 03:15 ruclips.net/user/clipUgkxXqejpcQezl67zrr8T4H7E-rjwVZQUxIG
Bro is living in 2024 and his website is HTTP...
It smells.
Fume extraction!!!
Creepy
You are not very good at soldering...
Thanks for letting me know! Would love to see a video reply showing me my errors. Thank you!
dude you should have kept making videos
Don’t worry. I have/did :)
Currently editing over 200 new videos.
I just tend to spend a lot of time traveling the world visiting shops and working with industry people these days so it’s hard sometimes to create the videos like I want. Good news is I’ve already shot all the new videos. It’s all just editing now :)