- Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:44 pm
#122660
Hello,
I'm about to try my first attempt at soldering using a stencil, paste, and a hotplate/skillet. What solder paste is the best to use? I only want to buy a little and want it to work well. I would prefer something less hazardous but don't know if lead-free works well or is affordable for a hobbyist. In my past experience with lead-free wired solder it took high temps and long periods of time to melt, which worries me (dont want to burn up my board while waiting for the stupid solder to melt!). If I have to go with lead thats OK, but which is the best? Also, should I go with no-clean or water soluble. There are some fine pitch QFN packages so I wont be able to clean underneath the chip, so probably no-clean is best. Any thoughts? Thank you.
I'm about to try my first attempt at soldering using a stencil, paste, and a hotplate/skillet. What solder paste is the best to use? I only want to buy a little and want it to work well. I would prefer something less hazardous but don't know if lead-free works well or is affordable for a hobbyist. In my past experience with lead-free wired solder it took high temps and long periods of time to melt, which worries me (dont want to burn up my board while waiting for the stupid solder to melt!). If I have to go with lead thats OK, but which is the best? Also, should I go with no-clean or water soluble. There are some fine pitch QFN packages so I wont be able to clean underneath the chip, so probably no-clean is best. Any thoughts? Thank you.