Best Solder?

[echo44]

First a Big Thank you to every one, you have all been so
helpful to a rookie. I have already learned so much
starting my first Dumble Build.

Just wondering what your favorite solder is?
I have been using some of this
Kester 245 No-Clean Core Solder 63/37 .031 1 lb. Spool
but it seems too thin.

what's the best

Thanks

[Cantplay]

I'm still using 60/40. I really don't like the way 95/5 doesn't wet as easily.

John

[ToneMerc]

Just wondering what your favorite solder is

I've been sold on Cardas Quad for a few years now.

TM

[David Root]

Me too. Cardas Quad Eutectic. I got the tip from BillyZ. Not cheap, but then there is no cheap solder any more, of any kind. Before that I too used 63/37 eutectic .031.

[Structo]

That Kester No Clean, 63/37 is pretty decent.
It doesn't leave the yellow flux crap behind.

Personally I like the .031" size.

Recently I picked up a roll of MG Chemicals 63/37, No Clean, .032" for around $20 at Fry's.

[trane34]

Here's what I've been using.

http://www.mojotone.com/specials/Kester ... 66-Flux-44

A little thicker and Mojo has it for cheap $20. Though it does leave the snots.

[heisthl]

http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ght=solder


Still laughing at this one

[brentm]

I've been using the WBT Silver Solder (lead free). I know the 60/40 is so much easier to work with and lower iron temps.... but I got a 3 month old in the house and I don't want to risk lead exposure to her (or to me really).

I find the WBT silver solder (pb free) to be pretty easy to work with if you have the right tip size, keep it clean, and run your iron temp around 650.

Granted, I haven't built an amp with the stuff, but I use it for making cables, pedals and some amp repairs.

-Brent

[Structo]

Geez, that WBT Silver is $81 for 1/2 lb!

The melting point I read was 356F.

[brentm]

Geez, that WBT Silver is $81 for 1/2 lb!

The melting point I read was 356F.

Lead free at 356???? Their leaded product maybe... They have both.... I can't melt it at that temp...it's pasty at 500. 630 seems to give me quick results without holding the iron on too long.

[Gaz]

I'd rather poison my children than use lead-free.

[brentm]

I'd rather poison my children than use lead-free.

You must not have kids because I can't imagine someone having them and saying that.

We're moving to a new house, so I'll have a shop I can setup to work in that's away from our living space. I'll change my tune then probably.

This is the best lead-free stuff I've found. High temps, use a heat sink when necessary, but it makes nice joints... Their lead-free product has a melting point of 420.8 degrees. Using 630 for the iron temp makes it fast enough to work with.

[hywelg]

As someone who works with heavy duty soldering and lead, both oxidised old and new, I can assure you all you will not get lead poisoning from soldering unless you have particularly poor hygene habits. You do not get lead fumes from soldering however you might get nasty substances from the flux, but with modern Health and Safety requirements I doubt it.

The reason for introducing lead free solder was to remove lead from drinking water supplies, though even this was overkill as so little of the solder was in contact with flowing water in traditional soldered copper joints that it probably would have made no difference to the lead levels in tap water. It was almost exclusively the lead pipe water supplies that caused the problem I believe.

[cbass]

Hell i 8 led paynt chips all du tyme wen I wus a kid look at me im totlly fine

[Gaz]

I'd rather poison my children than use lead-free.

You must not have kids because I can't imagine someone having them and saying that.

I'll admit it, what I posted was not a true statement