On Aug 6, 2009, at 1:47 PM, Philip Pemberton wrote:

> Mike Harrison wrote:
>> I use this :
>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SOLDERPLUS-P-N-6-SN62-565-P-SOLDER-PASTE-200GR-X15_W0QQitemZ230353102260QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET?hash=item35a21d65b4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
>
> You're using expired paste? Seriously?
>
>
> Does the "expiry date" on the tube make that much of a difference in
> hobbyist use? I mean, in production I sure as hell wouldn't be using
> 9-month-expired paste, but is there a point at which solder paste
> becomes good for nothing more than dustbin filler?
>


In my prior job, I built prototypes of engineer's designs.  I never  
found expired paste to function any differently than fresh product.   
Then again, my construction methods involved manual placement of 0603  
or 0805 components with tweezers, and baking the board in a toaster  
oven.  Results were very satisfactory.

> Also, those syringes (in the ebay ad) seem to be missing their  
> plungers...

Any syringes I've purchased typically did not include the plunger.  I  
used a foot valve dispenser that included the syringe adaptor and  
hose.  I never tried a manual plunger with paste solder.

Joe

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