Forgot the flux?

[JulesB]

Just look at the finished joint. If it's shiney like a mirror it's ok. If it has a dull sheen it may be a cold soldered joint. I have fixed more than a few computer mother boards by looking at them with a microscope and finding a dull joint and reheating to make it shiney.

Jules

 

[betamax]

Adding extra flux just makes the job go that much easier.

The flux in the solder (assuming you used flux core solder) should be adequate. Additional flux will just make it easier.

[karle]

Even if you go fluxless (is that a word?), use some flux to clean the tip of your soldering iron periodically, and it will tin much better.  Frankly, I strongly recommend flux even w/rosin core (but if you happened to miss fluxing a joint I wouldn't worry about it) 

[shawnee]

Thanks guys...makes me feel more assured about that joint.

Best, Shawnee

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I find that using a paste flux makes the job easier and gives me a better join.

[MisterBeasley]

Yeah, I only use flux when I'm doing plumbing.  For electrical or track work, the rosin core solder gives you all the flux you need.

[cacole]

The resin core flux in the solder should be sufficient.

[shawnee]

I am soldering some bridge rails together and just realized that before soldering the last section, I forgot to flux the joint.  I'm using rosin core solder and cleaned the joint area with a wire brush.  If i forgot to flux the joint before I joined it with solder, is this going to cause any problems long term in terms of oxidation or conductivity degradation?

Hoping it's all good...Shawnee