[sdiy] unleaded solder

[George Mattson]

-----Original Message-----
From: Synth-diy [mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of
mskala at ansuz.sooke.bc.ca
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2016 9:56 AM
To: Phillip Harbison
Cc: synth-diy
Subject: Re: [sdiy] unleaded solder


"This solder oxidizes fast when it's on the tip of the iron.  I wipe the
tip frequently on a wet sponge (more often than was needed with the lead
alloy).  Many people swear by using a copper pot-scrubber instead of a
sponge; that'll get the tip cleaner, but wears it down much faster.  I've
found the sponge sufficient."


-- 
Matthew Skala

I usually wipe the tip before returning the iron to the holder with leaded
solder.

With lead free, because of the oxidation factor, I had to change the habit
and leave the tip wetted with a ball of solder on it when returning the iron
to the holder and cleaning it before use. That way, the solder blob protects
the tip from oxidation.

Basically, I just shift the tip cleaning time from after to before use
depending on the type of solder.

G