[Johnno]

I forgot another item with soldering that has improved my work quality is the use of Bakers Solder Fluid 250ml, available from Bunnings (Australia) this stuff is simply amazing and helps with keeping heat down. 

   


Johnno

[mickey thumbs]

How does this perform compared to acid flux? And what kind of cleanup needed?

[Johnno]

How does this perform compared to acid flux? And what kind of cleanup needed?

I've never used acid flux, as for the cleanup, simply use water. This was recommended to me by Brad down at Show Us Ya Slotz for building Flexi chassis

[merkit the grof]

Well, made me look at the one I have. Turns out it's an Antex CS18 240v with a 2.5mm chisel tip.

Had the thing for Donkeys years and never knew, as the hanging hook was covering the name. Turns out the hook can be rotated AND the chisel tip can be extended along the heating element! 

If you have an Antex keep it, it's a brilliant iron, mine had the same tip on it for about 25 years and has seen plenty of use (my 2 Wellers need permanent tip fiddling).

Joel

PS: If you fancy buying yourself a Christmas present, Antex also do soldering stations.
PPS: For the work you do, please do not use acid flux, ever.

[Top Down]

Thanks to all for the advice. 

Plenty to think about but I'll stick with the Antex and explore its newly discovered 'features', for a while at least. 

Looks like I bought lucky there. 

[mickey thumbs]

Joel’s right about the flux. The acid stuff is for soldering brass and steel for chassis building, never electrical work. My mistake in losing track of the OP.
And congratulations! Mastering any aspect of soldering is a worthy accomplishment.