Help finding right/good solder

[brianroth]

Someone may correct me, but while lead's MELTING point is 621.5° F (327.5° C), its BOILING point is 3,182° F (1,750° C). I don't believe any "lead fumes" are released until near/at/above the boiling point.

The "smoke" seen while soldering comes from the rosin/flux core of the solder wire.

But, I don't recommend eating it in a peanut butter and lead sandwich <g>. Lead poisoning typically comes from ingestion.

Bri

[Richard Crowley]

Originally Posted by brianroth

I don't believe any "lead fumes" are released until near/at/above the boiling point.

But scientific facts never stop the ignorant public from freaking out.

Dihydrogen monoxide hoax - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aliso Viejo, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[brianroth]

Indeed, there are many dangerous substances that need to be banned, such as:

Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division - dihydrogen monoxide info

Bri

[Scott003]

Originally Posted by brianroth

Indeed, there are many dangerous substances that need to be banned, such as:

Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division - dihydrogen monoxide info

Bri

It's true! Shit will kill you

[ChrisLilley]

Originally Posted by rcrowley

Lead-free solder is far more difficult for a novice to use. Even with decades of experience, I still avoid it whenever possible.

I am still waiting to see actual data showing that lead leaching from electronic waste is responsible for ANY kind of "pollution". The entire exercise appears to be a knee-jerk political exercise completely absent any demonstrated cause and effect.

I hear you. But on the other hand, you live in part of the world that is not subject to RoHS regulations and I live in part that is. And I suspect "your scientific basis seems flawed or unproven" would be an ineffective legal defence.

[ChrisLilley]

Originally Posted by johnnyc

Radioshack lead free silver solder is good if you need something local

WBT Lead Free SILVER SOLDER (3.8%)

WBT (German) is a lot more local to me than Radio Shack (US).

Originally Posted by johnnyc

CARDAS TRI EUTECTIC Silver Solder

You can find the WBT and Cardas on ebay at low quantities.

For higher volume I like Kester 275 - good price/performance and no clean flux

Thanks for the specific suggestions, appreciated.

[digitrax]

Originally Posted by anotherguitarist

I'm in the states.

You can get it here:
WBT 0800 Silver Solder 4% Silver Content 1/8 lb. 093-586

The RS 62/36/2 (Sn/Pb/Ag) 2% silver solder (less expensive) is also good - (the thinner the better for ease of soldering).
DON'T get RS's 4% silver or anyone's lead-free solder unless you have a good deal of experience - these require a very hot iron and inexperienced solderers often end up burning up components or melting insulation. As long as your work station is adequately ventilated, soldering with lead-content solder isn't a problem.

[kennybro]

Kester for me. It's the best I've found.
Search Results: KESTER - All-Spec Industries

[Bill Way]

Any 60/40 rosin core solder will do, RS or others. WBT also works well.

I got a spool of pure silver solder ages ago, which will last longer than I will. You need your iron set hotter, and a brass wool sponge for cleaning the tip - a damp sponge with silver solder will eat away your tips like crazy.

If you have a good mechanical connection, the solder shouldn't "sound" like much of anything, but for some (guilty, here) when you pay more you feel it's better.

WW

[2manyrocks]

Does it really matter whether I buy Radio Shack, Tenma or Kester rosin core 60/40?

I hate to buy a bunch of solder and then find out it's not good.

[Richard Crowley]

If you buy mainline solder from RS or whatever, you will probably be satisfied. It doesn't sound like you are a "solder connoisseur".

[2manyrocks]

Not at all, and I need all the help I can get.

[Rick Sutton]

2manyrocks,
Speaking from personal experience I'd avoid RS if there is any viable alternative. Some of the supplies I have purchased there when I was in a pinch were so poorly made that it was close to criminal, especially the basics like connectors and soldering supplies. Spend a few bucks and get the real stuff....you won't be sorry.

[2manyrocks]

To my thinking, they also tend to price themselves above what things cost elsewhere. I try to avoid shopping there.