I made a new video about why I love liquid flux and how much of a difference liquid flux can make to your soldering.
In this video I created a large blob of solder. I used the MG 4884-227G solder that I always use but once I had the solder down I cleaned away all of the flux then reheated the solder to cause it to oxidize. The now dry, oxidized solder is unruly and uncooperative. It blobs up and forms peaks and is just generally nasty.
Then, I bring some of my Kester 186 liquid flux to the party and the solder is reborn.
I just go to Ebay, type in Kester 186, and guy a bottle. 100ml of the stuff will last you for years unless you’re doing a LOT of soldering.
Thanks! The solder on old boards can be very oxidized which makes it harder to work with. It may also be an early lead-free solder which makes it VERY difficult to deal with. Early lead-free solders required higher temperatures and oxidized very easily. There are some very low temperature rework solders that you can use. You add the low temperature solder to the joint and it mixed with the original solder reducing it’s melting point. Liquid flux will also help a LOT. Go onto Ebay and search for Kester 186. You can normally buy a small bottle for around USD$7. 100ml will last a LONG time.
Another thing that you should consider is buying a better pencil iron. You want one with temperature control, even if it’s a fixed temperature. Temperature controlled irons pour on the power when you start to solder to keep your tip hot. Buying a good name like Weller or Hakko or Pace will help.
Have you considered using a wrist rest to steady your hands? I like diving lead weight bags. They’re like beanbags but they weigh a LOT. You can buy them relatively inexpensively at most dive shops and even on Ebay.
Keep soldering.