I read your post last night and all i can say is awesome!! I knew I wasn't the brightest when it came to soldering, now I know how little i really knew lol... Here's just a few problems I now realize. I believe my solder is too old, about 12 yrs ago i bought it and hasn't been stored in a sealed package! I knew that darn soldering GUN was no good, it's going in the trash!! I am starting over with all new equipment, going out to purchase a real soldering iron. Definately going to find the 63/37 solder, getting some liquid flux, as i now realize the paste i was using really is tougher to use.
Thanks for the great info