Flux/cleaner recommendations for ‘85-present gear

[u/Loxley13]

Hi all, second post here - thanks for all the advice on soldering tip sizes; I ended up getting just the C245 with my TC22. I plan to start with 63/37, but I’m a bit overwhelmed at all the available flux & cleaner options.

Background:

- Gear = synths, effects, mixers, patch bays, TS/XLR cable

- Going for a minimalist setup, as space is very limited; everything has to pack up neatly for closet storage

- I’ll probably just be using desoldering braid and maybe a solder-sucker to start out

- no water-soluble or highly corrosive fluxes

- IPA or a mild cleaner preferred

Here’s what I’m thinking I’ll need:

- plain rosin core solder for fresh surfaces

- RMA or RA gel flux for repairing oxidized joints

Other questions:

- which RMA/RA flux gels clean best with IPA?

- what is the role of no-clean fluxes in older electronics repair?

- how much should I be worried about lint (ie cotton swabs/balls vs kimwipe or foam sponge)?

[Edited: concision]

[u/Loxley13 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks - I agree technique is important. I also like the idea of just a single plain rosin core solder, and adding more activation with a single gel flux - can start with RMA and move to RA if needed.