Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #1956
From: Ed Armstrong <ed@testelectronics.com>
Subject: Solvent Isopropyl Alcohol
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 1999 01:47:10 -0800
To: Lancair [Lancair.List@Olsusa.Com] (E-mail) <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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I am just starting my kit and looking for the best solvent. Semi Conductor
Grade 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol has always been my favorite solvent. I use it
all the time for cleaning circuit boards. It cleans everything, leaves no
residue, and has no heath hazards. It is only moderately flammable. It
takes a hot flame to ignite it. I don't think a cold spark from a wire
brush or a Dremel Tool will likely set it off. I have not used it on my kit
yet because I am afraid to deviate from the manual. Also, one scary problem
I have had with Isopropyl Alcohol is using it on Lexan. It will seem to
clean Lexan great, it doesn't dissolve, melt or frost it. However, beware,
it will do serious invisible damage. I have found the hard way that about 3
hours later small cracks develop, then about a day later the cracks grow
really big. I have successfully used Isopropyl alcohol for years on circuit
boards made from G-10 which is the same fiberglass material these kits are
made from. I have even lost circuit boards in bins of it and had them
soaking for months with no visible damage. I only checked for visible
damage, I never did any stress testing on anything before and after using
Isopropyl alcohol. I'm thinking that Isopropyl alcohol will be a great
solvent as long as I keep it away from the Lexan windows. If anyone knows
differently please let me know.

Regards,
Ed
Watsonville CA.
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