exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

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.

Aeberbach wrote: 15 Jan 2026 19:36 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...

Don't try cleaning off flux with that IPA, it'll get more sticky, not less.

stephen_usher wrote: 15 Jan 2026 22:44 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?

pixelpusher wrote: 16 Jan 2026 07:46

stephen_usher wrote: 15 Jan 2026 22:44 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.