[soapbox] I taught myself how to solder and do a pretty good job if I do say so myself. I use a cream like substance to make the solder flow called soldering paste that i found in my basement years ago with no idea where it came from. Is this the same as flux? Seems to work the same way. Thanks in advance.[:I]
Tis a type of flux.
David B
If it’s the same kind as I have (in a tube) it’s finely ground solder suspended in flux.
I only use it for really hard-to-get-at joints.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I would venture a guess that it’s soldering flux…a brown gooey substance.
What Chuck is referring to will be grey paste.
I’ll wager it says Nokorrode or Kesters on the label.
The plumber probably lost it.
Rotor
BTW in model railroad applications such as track joint soldering, can you use plumbers flux (such as sold at Home Depot, Lowes, etc) just the same as you do electronics flux (such as sold at RadioShack)? They are labelled differently, but is it the same stuff? Jamie
Paste or liquid flux used for plumbing applications is acid base and shouldn’t be used for model railroad applications.
Read the fine print on the label…somewhere it should state if it’s acid. When I had a plumber buddy of mine help install a new water heater, he used non-acid paste flux, but acid core solder. [?]
I think Jeffrey is correct, most plumbers use an acid base flux, or at least they used to. And acid shouldn’t be used on most model railroad projects. The possible exception may be brass locos and cars.
Rotor
You can use acid based flux (which does a superior job of facilitating the flow of solder) for trackwork or other MR applications IF and ONLY IF you are able to THOUROUGHLY wash the soldered area and remove ALL traces of the flux. A dishwasher works well for this. Dabbing soapy water only rail joints with a Q-tip does not.
Failure to clean the joints will result in the acid in the flux doing what acids tend to do best - the soldered area (and surroundings) will start corroding (probably leaving bluish rust).
Probably best to stay away from the acid flux (in favor of rosin flux) for track work. If you’re building a brass something or other that you can run through the dishwasher afterward then go for it.
Regards,
Charlie Comstock
You are correct Charlie…I forgot to add the acid flux must be washed or neutralized.
DON’T use acid flux for wiring…it creeps up the wire, and may eventually dissolve the wire, leaving a insulation with nothing inside but cupric sulfate.
Rotor
[bow][soapbox] After reading all the replies, especially Jeffrey Wimberley’s, I found the container and perhaps misquoted what it actually was. I beleive the term I used was soldering paste, but the brand name is Fargail, and it’s a soldering CREAM. According to the can, “it contains no mineral acid”, so I guess it is safe. I’ve been using it for years with no ill affects. Thanks for all the hints and let me know please, if I assumed wrongly. [;)]