Whiskers can have a few reasons.
Heating too long burns away the "wetness" and solder clings instead of flows.
--> I do not think this is the problem, I do not spend much time on the pad
Is your tip clean? It should be silvery and shiny.
--> Yes I clean it each time I use it
If it is.. have you tried adding flux?
--> I will order a flux pen, I do not have any
If it still won't cooperate.. try a different/better solder. The cheap stuff is usually a nightmare to work with.
--> I use Dutch Boy, I think it is good (but very old maybe 50yo) I will order some new solder - Kester
https://www.amazon.com/KESTER-SOLDER-24-6040-0027-Stand-Diameter/dp/B00068IJPO/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1469859605&sr=1-7&keywords=rosin+core+solderWhat's the dia on your solder?
--> Very small, my guess .5 mm The Kester is .031", which sounds very small to me
It might be too thick and that's no good either.
Standoffs:
You only need to cut the two. Use a scalpel or box-cutter to cut them flush to the board.
--> now that I think of it, it is probably better to cut the pair and leave the center. I will try that on the next one
The vias on 2, 7 and 9 are connected to those pads, so a short there does nothing
![Smiley :)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
It's only the one under 3 that's a potential risk of shorting.
--->
![Phew :phew:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/phew.gif)
this will help a lot. I was trying very hard not to get solder near the edge of the pad
So far I have done 3 good ones and 1 bad one
![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif)
Not bad for an old fart.
thanks a lot - this will help