[sdiy] solder questions

[Tentochi]

Paul--

I didn't know anyone was still regularly using rosin core such as Kester 44.  I only use it for
very tricky jobs or specialized rework/repair; even then, I try and avoid it.  Pretty much
everyone has switched over to organic (water soluable) and no-clean fluxxes.  In North America,
most people are using the Kester versions (331 and 245 respectively) of these.  I forget the brand
they are typically using in Europe.  The following information is taken from Dave B's excellent
Hot Rod MOTM site (http://www.hotrodmotm.com) (pricing is a few years old, so YMMV).  I know at
least John Blacet (http://www.blacet.com) and Tony Allgood (http://www.oakleysound.com) have
followed in Paul Scheiber's footsteps (http://www.synthtech.com) in this area.  Paul goes a step
further in including these Kester solders in all of his MOTM kits.  Thanks Paul!

ORGANIC
--Kester #24-6337-6401, 331 water soluble core, .020 dia., 1 lb. (This is the water clean solder
supplied in MOTM kits)
**Allied #833-1455, 1-9 $16.67
**Mouser #533-24-6337-6401, 1-9 $17.98 

NO-CLEAN
--Kester #24-6337-8814, 245 no-clean, .050 dia., 1 lb. (This is the no clean solder supplied in
MOTM kits) 
**Mouser #533-24-6337-8814, 1-9 $ 12.06 
--Kester #24-6337-8800, 245 no-clean, .031 dia., 1 lb. (If you want a thinner no clean solder) 
**Mouser #533-24-6337-8800, 1-9 $ 12.86 

The water-soluble flux is very corrosive (please correct me if I don't use the right words
describing this) and needs to be washed within an hour or so of usage.  I use normal tap water,
but some suggest using de-ionized or filtered water to avoid any residue.  The flux is OSHAA
approved to go down your household sink.  I use a small fingernail brush to help out; some use a
tooth brush.

The no-clean type solder doesn't flow quite as well, but is typically used on items that shouldn't
get wet such as pots, jacks and hook-up wire.  The water-soluable type is used on the balance.

There is some flux residue from the no-clean flux, and it does not need to be removed.  For
cosmetic reasons, some people do remove it and there are several products that are readily
available commercially for this purpose.

>  is there a solder type that is preferred these 
> days for general-purpose work (i.e. everything: outboard parts as well 
> as PCB work, tube sockets, perfboard, and other no-clean applications)? 
>   I'm still using the old-school stuff, Kester 44, and occasionally 
> silver solder for a few applications, but I know there's a wide variety 
> of other stuff available.  Is there any advantage to using the newer 
> products?

This should increase your joy of soldering immensely.

--Todd (fellow solder jockey)


	
		
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