Flux, do you use it or find it unnessary?

[jimmybjj]

I never found the need to use flux (i don't know if that is because i am using rosin core). What are the majority of people here doing? If you use rosin core is it necessary (or better) to use flux as well? Please keep in mind i am just getting into electronics this year and have no back ground or foundation in anything remotely close. Any comments or advise is appreciated.

[Jhouse]

Well, I generally use it to clean off my soldering tip after I get done, but I don't usually apply it to a circuit board. I find that it doesn't really make that big of a difference since you're using such a small amount of solder. I do put it on my potentiometers, dc jacks, and in/out jacks though. On those things, it helps a lot.

[caress]

 i use kester rosin core 60/40 or 63/37, i can't remember which.  no extra flux no extra problems.

[Processaurus]

Yes, something is wrong if you need flux for soldering regular electronic components.  It is great to have around for unusual or troublesome soldering tasks, like soldering a wire onto the back of a pot, or some crummy jacks/plugs, or types of metal that you can solder to but aren't pre-tinned.

[greaser_au]

the use of added flux came up a couple of days ago:   http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=85805

david

[Mark Hammer]

I keep a bottle of liquid flux around.  I use it to aid in tinning freshly etched boards, but I also use it to expedite soldering to "stubborn" things, like some jack or plug lugs, as well as the back cover of pots.  You still need to scrape any of those a bit to reveal nice shiny metal underneath, but a dab of flux helps out.  It's also helpful for tinning wire sometimes.  I have a couple of small boxes of wire scrounged from assorted places and past ventures, and sometimes it tarnishes by the time I get around to using it.  Flux helps it to tin better.

[Paul Marossy]

i use kester rosin core 60/40 or 63/37, i can't remember which.  no extra flux no extra problems.

Same here.

[Quackzed]

i have a little tin of flux paste, circa 1950's i think... lol. it definately helps to speed up solder flow as well as burn off oxides and oils etc...
i would recomend trying it. i agree that using rosin core solder (if everything is clean to bare metal etc) is not needed really, but there have been plenty of instances where overheated traces and overheated stubborn pots have caused problems for me, so i figure why not and i use it anytime i want faster flow to a stubborn part, or anytime the solder balls up and wont flow due to overheating the solder or part, works like magic, and saves time and aggrivation. and i havent noticed any problems due to using it. also i just like to say 'FLUX'.

[zombiwoof]

I agree with the last three posts, and I always use it when there is any possibility of overheating a component or switch.  I feel it speeds up the process.

Al