Interesting debate! I have these purchase options from Spain, what do you think of the CHIPQUIK SMD 291 and CHIPQUIK NC191, it is for general SMD repair work with a soldering iron and hot air
https://es.rs-online.com/web/p/pastas-para-soldadura/2411579
https://es.rs-online.com/web/p/fundentes-para-soldadura-blanda/1466649
https://es.rs-online.com/web/p/fundentes-para-soldadura-blanda/2862009
THanks!!
I have used all three of those.
I would not recommend the NC191. While it does have a truly lovely consistency, its fluxing action is depleted extremely quickly. It really is designed for things like reflowing in an oven, where it gets heated once only. It’s terrible for hand rework, where you may need to keep a joint hot for longer than you normally would, or where you need to go back and reflow, like in removing bridges from an SSOP.
The MG Chemicals works great. Does get lumpy with age. Typical somewhat acrid smell when heated.
SMD291 works pretty well (not sure why wraper had trouble with it; I’ve found it to work well). But I prefer SMD291NL: whereas the MG, the NC191, and SMD291 are all opaque/translucent when cold, SMD291NL is transparent amber, giving you better visibility, and it has absolutely no graininess of any kind. And it smells like hazelnuts when heated, rather than like acid or chemicals. It isn’t the most active flux in existence, but it works well and is pleasant to use.