Is this 10mil solder wire a good choice? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 02:24:02 am
content: My main solder wire is multicore 60/40, 0.5mm (~20mils) which Dave recommended in that build-your-lab video. It works well but sometimes it feels too bulky (e.g. for 0.5mm QFN or 0402) so I am thinking about getting a thinner one, e.g 10 mils. I don't need much, 50-100g should last me forever.I looked for something reasonably priced and found this onehttp://www.all-spec.com/products/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSolder_and_Soldering_Chemicals%7CSOL-0C/110227.htmlIs 10 mills a good choice for my application (hobby use at home, using with a Metcal mx500 and a few fine tips)? What about that specific brand, is it any good?

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 02:39:20 am
content: pretty sure that's the thinnest solder commonly available so you should be fine there.the brand is good, just not as popular as multicore or kester. I always clean any flux residue afterwards.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 01:40:37 pm
content: .010" is as thin as it gets, and be the right size if you mean to go pin-by-pin with a super fine tip (*might* get away with 0.015" if you've rock steady hands to control the feed rate & working with magnification).But why not drag solder with plenty of additional flux instead if you're sticking to an iron?As per the brand, Alpha makes excellent quality products IME. As does AIM (American Iron & Metals), Indium, MG Chemicals, Stannol, Kester, and of course Multicore, which you're already familiar with.FWIW, it's gotten hard to find 0.010" in 63/37 without having to special order it (Kester & Alpha still offer it), nor am I seeing the smaller spools. For example, I can't get what I currently have on the shelf anymore; Multicore 0.010" 63/37 WRAP3 on a 1/2lb spool. If and when I run out, I'll end up going with the same Alpha you linked (just less flux than I'm used to; P2 core size instead of P3).If you don't have compliance issues (i.e. purely hobbyist use), you might want to see what's available on eBay as it will work well past 3 years if stored indoors (cool dry place).

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 04:01:23 pm
content: Thanks nanofrog. I just ordered this cheap 12mil wire, if I will like the diameter I will order the Alpha one, or just use the cheap one if it will be good.http://amzn.com/B008DEYEAWFor dense packages I do the dragging with smtc 1174 mini hoof (1.14mm diameter) and the 0.5mm wire is just too big, especially with that typical blob at the end. Same goes when soldering 0402.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 09:40:42 pm
content: I have a small bit of Reliacore 60/40, .062 left from a 1 pound roll I purchased in the late 90's. It has always worked fine for my use. I would buy the brand again.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2015, 10:04:26 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on May 01, 2015, 04:01:23 pmAnother member tried a bunch of Asian made solder (brands such as this) obtained from eBay. Lets just say the performance left a LOT to be desired... One example would be a spool or two had incorrect alloys for electronics use (60/40 was actually 60% lead rather than tin, which produces dull & grainy joints). Toss in poor flux, it didn't work very well at all (poor wetting), so you might want to severely temper your expectations with this stuff.Or better yet, skip the hassle and just get a quality brand (Alpha or otherwise). You won't be able to get any smaller, and it will be useful as you're soldering stuff that fine of a pitch (any smaller diameter, and it would just break during the drawing process).Quote from: zapta on May 01, 2015, 04:01:23 pmDo you feed the solder as you go, or put a blob/meniscus on the tip (hoof in your case) and have at it (assumes plenty of additional flux either way)?And if you mean blob on the end of the solder wire from being melted on the iron's tip, take a page from avionics; just cut a piece from the spool and see if you don't like that better.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2015, 04:36:08 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on May 01, 2015, 10:04:26 pmYes, I may do that. I just want to make sure that the 10mil wire will not be too thin on one hand or not having a significant advantage over the 20mil I am using now. I don't like accumulating stuff I don't really need.Quote from: nanofrog on May 01, 2015, 10:04:26 pmI am using additional flux (Chipquik tacky flux) and add solder every few pads. My hoof tip is very small and cannot hold much. All the examples of drag soldering I saw used a much wider tip but were done on boards with plenty of free space.As for cleaning the solder wire and cutting a clean end, the NASA soldering video on you tube does that but it's too much for me. ;-)

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2015, 02:14:01 am
content: Quote from: zapta on May 02, 2015, 04:36:08 pmIt'll depend on what you're doing (point-by-point, drag & feed, or feed tip then drag).Since you're using thefeed tip, then dragmethod if I understand you correctly, I find 20 mil works very well as a general rule. Even on 0.5mm pitch. Do keep in mind however, I'm using a cupped/spoon tip (Weller calls it a Gull Wing), not a standard hoof, so it holds a larger ball of solder. FWIW, I find solder wire size isn't as critical to feed this way, as it's not directly to the joints (tip is more "forgiving" if you will, and if you've too much, you just wipe the excess off on a sponge or brass wool before soldering).Where I'm a bit confused however, is if you're actually having issues controlling the amount of solder on the tip with 20 mil solder, or are just concerned about it before attempting something critical?Quote from: zapta on May 02, 2015, 04:36:08 pmThis is partly why I like the cup/spoon types; for their respective size, they can hold a larger ball of solder (without spreading out). As per the tip size, they may not be as large as you think, as the videos I'm thinking of used magnification.As per restrictive space, do you mean repair? If so, have you considered alternative methods, such as hot air rework & solder paste?If you must use an iron, have you tried 60 degree angle tips?If you're talking about limited space on new work, why not start with your IC's first?FWIW, it's lot easier this way IME.Quote from: zapta on May 02, 2015, 04:36:08 pmI don't go to that extent at home. If the solder is super oxidized/dirty, I might clean it first, but I've not had to do that.I do cut off a piece however, and use a hemostat to hold it. The reason, is twofold. First, it seriously helps with the unsteadiness of my hands (think tripod to steady the solder wire instead of single point to steady things if just holding it between two fingers). Second, is I'm less likely to get burnt.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2015, 03:17:54 am
content: I ended getting Multicore 15mil 63/37 from Digikey and it works well for me. I don't think a thinner one will be better for me. I am using it for fine SMD as well as my general purpose solder wire for through holes and such.