Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan" 
<stefan_trethan@...> wrote:
>
> On Mon, 15 May 2006 09:30:56 +0200, Lez <lez.briddon@...> wrote:
> 
> >
> >>
> >> But I wasn't pleased with how it looked.  There was too much 
solder
> >> blobbed up on most of the board (some parts were OK...just at 
the
> >> edges...where I had probably accidently laid down less.) So I 
tried
> >> Stefan's suggested method for removing the excess. With a paper
> >> towel.  Except, it didn't really want to come off.  I used a 
slightly
> >> damp paper towel, btw.  I shot the board again with the hot air 
gun -
> >> just before applying the towel. I suspect the wet towel might 
have
> >> cooled the board, I mean the solder, off too quickly, so it 
froze in
> >> place, instead of wiping aside.
> 
> 
> You heated too much. The strange thin layer happens before the 
paste  
> reflows.
> I don't know how this works though.
> 
> ST
>

That makes sense.

I should have read your instructions more carefully.

Thanks. 

Jim

P.S. For now, I will have to come up with some sort of hard squeegee 
and scrap away the excess solder (now minus any flux).  I hope I 
don't pull up a trace.  I will try my technique out on one of the 
ample ground planes I have in place....before I try it on the traces 
and pads.