[sdiy] Lead-free solder

[Tony Clark]

> Could be your friend is trying to solder leaded parts/board with unleaded
> solder.

> You CANNOT solder leaded parts/boards with unleaded solder.

   Not quite true.  You CAN solder leaded parts with lead-free solder, you
just _shouldn't_ for sake of the longevity of your parts.

   The best lead-free solder right now is what's referred to as SAC305. 
Been using it for almost a year now in manufacturing and it is giving
us good results.
   Here's a tip though:

   If using lead-free solder, do _NOT_ leave your soldering iron on when
not in use.  The tip will corrode extremely fast due to the flux used
in lead-free solders!  As long as you are using it and cleaning the
iron tip, you should be fine.  But if you plan to leave, even if it's
just 5 minutes, turn the iron off.  The heat is what does the damage.

   Cheers,

   Tony

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