I agree with your view on using flux, especially concerning acid core solder, never, never, never. Rosin core good, acid core BAD! But what’s up with “They can shove it”? Seems kind of hostile and largely inappropriate for these postings. Just sayin’.
I don’t think that anyone took that comment as hostile as it came from Rob Spangler, one of the good guys of the forum. I took it as more rhetorical than hostile.
Rich
Not in all cases. I’ve had rail ends that just wouldn’t take solder even after being cleaned and roughened up. Added a touch of flux and that made the difference.
Modern Flux from Radio Shack will indeed do that. My father had a tin of Nokrode solder flux for over 50 years (maybe he still has that tin) It is perfectly fine after all of these years. Him used to build radios as a boy, and was in radio electronics in the Navy (a SeeBee in the Philippines waiting to invade Japan).
So good flux (if they still make it) will last indefinitely, especially if you keep the cover on it, a thing that the LION does not do.
Now as to when to use flux… LION uses it seldom, but if him has a dirty joint, rails that have been painted or what ever, then yes it is used. And it really does do a better job when soldering to the rails.
Pick you poison, but don’t eat the stuff.
ROAR
ps… A dab of flux will also hold a screw to the tip of your screwdriver so that you can maneuver it into a tight spot.
Jeff,
I agree with you on the rail,but I’ll bet the clip that he was referring to… and I did,was either,Brass,or Copper… l 'll still stick to 60-40,Rosin Core solder,everyone else,may do as they please,or their experience…
Cheers,
Frank
Thank you Rich. It was indeed rhetorical. Plus, if you look at my comment closely, I was referring to people hurling insults at those who use flux, as I’ve read many such responses on various forums disparaging those who use extra flux as bozos who don’t know what they’re doing. There’s a big difference between expressing an opinion that fluxing isn’t needed because [insert reason], and saying that people who use it are idiots.
For those of you who are of a mind that Flux is not required when soldering please re-thing your decision. Back in the late '50’s as a still wet behind the ears Fitters Helper in training, I had occasion to do some 1/2" copper pipe connections on a new water heater installation. The fitter who was training me made sure that I cleaned all the connections both inside and outside the pipe and fittings and be sure to brush flux on both sides of all connections before I soldered them. This I did, (or thought I did) but in my haste, I missed fluxing one joint even though I had cleaned it. He checked all my work and pronounced it very good. He told me to go and turn on the main water feed to check for leaks. When the water pressure reached its maximum of 75 to 80 PSI, the one joint that I had missed fluxing blew apart under the pressure, even though it was well and truly cleaned, After that, I made sure that all joints were clean & fluxed.
As for you fella’s who don’t flux, don’t bother coming to me for any jobs involving soldering. As for the rest of you, a little dab of rosin flux is cheap insurance to insure bullet-proof wiring and track-work.
Blue Flamer.
I guess I’m getting a little thin skinned in my old age. Therefore I heartily apologize to Mr. Spangler for jumping to a false conclusion, and Thank you to Rich for helping me to “see the light”. Please don’t tell my wife because I kid her all the time about being thin skinned LOL. I guess I should pay more attention to my own self.
Thanks guys.
No worries whatsoever. I promise not to tell your wife!