The dangers of IPA

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Aeberbach
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Re: The dangers of IPA

Post by Aeberbach »

I saw the title and thought "yes, dangerous stuff!" - IPA has made me 5kg heavier since I got to Canada. 473ml cans sell for about $4.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The dangers of IPA

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Aeberbach wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 7:36 pm I saw the title and thought "yes, dangerous stuff!" - IPA has made me 5kg heavier since I got to Canada. 473ml cans sell for about $4.

Lol, that's a different IPA 🤣

Potentially equally hazardous in a different way...
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stephen_usher
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Re: The dangers of IPA

Post by stephen_usher »

Don't try cleaning off flux with that IPA, it'll get more sticky, not less.
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Re: The dangers of IPA

Post by pixelpusher »

stephen_usher wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 10:44 pm Don't try cleaning off flux with that IPA, it'll get more sticky, not less.
Isn't that the reason for having a paper towel (agited by a brush on top) to suck off the flux the IPA was applied on to solve?
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: The dangers of IPA

Post by rubber_jonnie »

pixelpusher wrote: Fri Jan 16, 2026 7:46 am
stephen_usher wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 10:44 pm Don't try cleaning off flux with that IPA, it'll get more sticky, not less.
Isn't that the reason for having a paper towel (agited by a brush on top) to suck off the flux the IPA was applied on to solve?
Well yes, but in this case there was obvious spillage, no real mop up followed by a spark during voltage injection. This is one reason I use a spray or cotton buds/toothbrush dipped in IPA, it's more targeted, less wastage and easier to clean up.

I also think in this particular case the mat in use had absorbed some of the spillage and was acting like a wick. I use a silicone workmat, no absorption, a lip to prevent runoff and easy to clean up.

I think in these circumstances there is an element of complacency. You do the same thing again and again and it becomes habit, so normal, and then something not considered creeps in and catches us out.

I always do ensure that all IPA is gone before I commence work again.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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