Newbie here looking for recommendation on what solder paste to get?

[www.jrdtech.net]

I'm looking for a solder paste with flux to fix a chip on my laptop
motherboard. (don't worry I have a few older 486 motherboard I'm
going to practice on b4 I attempt anything). Also what kinda of
soldering braid should I get?

1 other question, looking on the internet about SMT some people
recommend just using a Flux pen and no solder paste why is this?
Maybe I'll get a solder paste with flux and just a flux pen. I'd like
a recommendation for both. thanks.

Jason

 

[DJ Delorie]

I'm looking for a solder paste with flux to fix a chip on my laptop
motherboard.

I use SynTECH from www.stencilsunlimited.com, but my primary reason
for choosing that was (1) cost and (2) no need to refrigerate. Seems
to work OK.

Also what kinda of soldering braid should I get?

Whatever you want, it's just copper. Size it according to the size of
the things you'll be desoldering.

1 other question, looking on the internet about SMT some people
recommend just using a Flux pen and no solder paste why is this?

They either use wire solder, or rely on solder balls or leftover HASL
solder.

Maybe I'll get a solder paste with flux and just a flux pen. I'd
like a recommendation for both. thanks.

I use a Kester 2331-zx pen. But remember that paste has flux in it
already, and I've found that fluxing the board makes the paste stick
less well to it.

 

[default]

I'm looking for a solder paste with flux to fix a chip on my laptop
motherboard. (don't worry I have a few older 486 motherboard I'm
going to practice on b4 I attempt anything). Also what kinda of
soldering braid should I get?

1 other question, looking on the internet about SMT some people
recommend just using a Flux pen and no solder paste why is this?
Maybe I'll get a solder paste with flux and just a flux pen. I'd like
a recommendation for both. thanks.

Jason

Solder flux serves different applications. A very "aggressive flux"
will be combined with a solvent and perhaps have the Ph tweaked. It
could be acid long after the joint is made - but no problem for a
"vapor de greaser" flow solder machine, or studious application of
brush and elbow grease.

My recommendation
Get some of the common variety flux. Thin it if you have to - acetone
will usually work fine since that is the solvent to remove flux.

The reason they recommend no solder and just use a flux pen is that
there is usually enough solder already on the board and "wetted" part
- called re flow soldering - both parts are already fluxed and tinned
and you just need a little heat to make a union - with just a smidgen
of flux - or trace of flux - or flux vapor in the air.

In a repair situation you probably already have enough solder for a re
flow.

 

[neon]

i recomend lquid flux wereby you can dip the braid to get better wicking action. brais require most of heat to wok well a solder pump is more appropiate for that lind of work use side to side mvement to break the bad cold solder connectiom.