A P R I L F O O L S
Making your own solder paste can be both rewarding and save you $.
As seen in the images below, a few simple tools and a bar of 63/37 solder is all you need to make your own solder paste.
When making your own paste, you are in control of the quantity and the expiration date of the product.
Tools and materials
- Bamix mixer with salsa appliance various chopper attachments.
- A bar of 63/37 solder (as much as needed for one batch)
- liquid flux (#715) ~ 1:4 ratio by weight
- Solder flux paste (If you want to make T5 or finer)
Safety is always the first thing we need to be aware of.
Wear safety glasses and a N95 mask. i.e. if you can find one or use an ORANGE scarf.
Leather gloves are recommended, wash your hands when finished.
First arrange the equipment as seen in the 2nd image.
It is important to feed the bar of solder very slowly into the salsa chopping attachment, the mixer should be set to medium speed.
After you have made enough dry solder power, transfer this to a clear mixing cup (plastic), add liquid flux.
Mix at ‘Highest Speed’ until you get a nice consistency, about 10 minutes will give T3 size beads.
Wash tools before placing back into your wife’s cupboard; (WARNING) probably best not telling her what you were doing with the mixer.
