[sdiy] solder questions

[Ralph Karsten]

Hi Guys-

FWIW, the *really* correct solder is going to be some varient of SN63. That is, if you get tired of bad solderjoints... (SN62 if gold, silver or rodium are involved in the connection).

-Ralph


>  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)

> 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)
>