I recently came to the realization that I’ve been kinda punishing myself with cheap no-name solder that is really difficult to work with.
I reluctantly bought this (rather expensive) lead free solder for around $25 and the difference really took me by surprise - it melts and flows so easily!
Kinda got me wondering what everyone else has been using for solder, or what’s worked well for you so far at least?
Kester 48 SAC305 or K100LD, depending on the application. If you’re not trying for ROHS compliance, the Kester 44 with 66 Core is very good.
I finally bought some flux last year and was angry at myself for all the wasted years, proper solder is next on the list but I still have some cheap but usable solder that I want to use up first
I use cheap trash solder, and dislike soldering, very possibly because of it
I’ll look into upgrading my solder, thanks 👍
I got some cheap solder with my solder station and it was the bane of my existence. Found some leaded solder I think I got from radio shack years ago and it works so well. I hate to say it but I haven’t yet had good success with unleaded solder. Someone please save me from the brain damage.
That’s just healthy, you’ll build up a resistance to lead poisoning
“What doesn’t immediately kill you always makes you stronger”
I use ChipQuik’s 62/36/2.
I haven’t found a lead free solder that works as well as this stuff. Plus, I never need to worry about silver-plated stuff cracking at the joint.
I have 60/40 leaded solder that worked pretty well. I’m definetly going to invest into some good lead free solder
I’m all about the leaded solder – but I also use it very infrequently and don’t worry about the motility of my swimmers ;)
I think it’s the your synapses you need to worry about, but I forget, I love my 60/40 too. Still have a couple big rolls from RadioShack.
Really though if you wash hands after handling it, and use it in such small hobby scale quantities as most, it won’t matter. The smoke from the burning rosin is probably more dangerous.