Hi, Just edging myself into surface mount and plan to make a board featuring at 16pin SSOP chip , plus other through hole bits ( its for a battery manager (LTC4006); only package type available for this ). The problem I have is not making a complete mess of putting down solder paste and getting a…

Sounds interesting will have to try it. The solder wick method works well too. I first solder all SMD capacitors, resistors, SOT23s etc. with a hotplate. Then solder the SMD I.C.s with the solder wick method.

Do you have a favorite? My ideal would be water soluble as I like my boards clean.

[image] JohnRob: Do you have a favorite? No. The only affordable option here is from China. I try to avoid adding extra flux, and you don't need as much solder paste as you might think. My boards look clean from the start, so I rarely clean them. Leo..

You may not need solder paste. You can get wire solder that is finer than a hair and soldering iron tips to match. If you insist on paste, store it in a refrigerator, warm to room temp before using. Paul

I've never put paste in a fridge, no problem (I was taught in no uncertain terms than solvents do not go in fridges (explosion hazard), so I'd be very careful to check before putting anything solvent-based in a fridge anyway.)

Have had good results keeping Solder Paste Syringes in the fridge. Almost 3 years for a T5 syringe and it still works fine.

We put them in fridge for 20 years with no problems. Had separate fridge just for solder paste. What the cool temps do is slow the migration/consolidation of the heavy metal particles to the bottom of the container. Paul

I have a tub of Chipquik SMD291SNL50T3 which is now over a year old and still seems fine. The datasheet mentions that it is still good past the stated shelf life. I do keep it in the fridge but I'm confident that there is no explosion risk since the amount of solvent in one 50g tub would be fairly …

I have 0.015" solder and a little 0.010" (solid). However it would seem to be easier when soldering some many pin ICs. The refrigerator is a problem, I won't put chemicals in my food fridge. I think the next time I need solder paste I'll get a "tub". Store if in a cool corner of my basement a…

[image] Paul_KD7HB: We put them in fridge for 20 years with no problems Boy your probably as old a I am :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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LarryD May 21, 2021, 7:55pm 25

I’ve been using T5 solder paste for a while and like the way it flows.

When all the T3 is gone, T5 will be my go to.

I got this hot plate and very much like it too.

Share tips you have come across - #857 by LarryD text**

And

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