SOLDER - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:10:04 pm
content: Is this the kind of solder I should get for electronic work? Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .031" 1oz Dispense-Pak

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:16:04 pm
content: That's what I've always used, it works great. It's cheaper if you buy a 1 lb. spool. You might want to also get some 0.20" because 0.31" is a little large for some things.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:17:01 pm
content: Yeah, it'll be fine. That's what I use. Except - don't know if I'd recommend buying a 1oz package, it is probably quite expensive per unit mass.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:17:06 pm
content: Yes, that is a good electronics solder. For some specialized work you might want thinner or thicker sizes, like .015" or .050". But .031" is a good size for most purposes.When reworking old boards you should use liquid flux, the Kester 186 RMA flux pen is good.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:37:51 pm
content: Thanks guys, very helpful, appreciate it. 1oz dispenser = $4.99 @Amazon, fair price? Do I want the No Clean kind?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 02:21:38 am
content: Kester 44, 63/37, 0.020", 1lb spool $26.82Kester 44, 63/37, 0.025", 1lb spool $21.91It's an excellent electronics solder, and is a LOT cheaper than the dispenser pack size per ounce.And although it states a shelf life (others do as well), if you keep it in a cool dry place, it will last for years and years (dates are for performance specification compliance).

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 08:13:00 am
content: Thanks, no clean type right?

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 10:17:31 am
content: For a beginner I would avoid No Clean fluxes. Compared to normal activated rosin flux, there are no advantages when hand soldering.If you want your boards to look clean, you can use normal isopropyl alcohol. If not, just leave the flux on the board, it won't damage anything.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 01:28:55 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 16, 2015, 02:21:38 amI agree. I have some Reliacore solder that is 15 years old that I am finally coming to the end of the spool. By the way, this isn't the only solder I have. It works just fine. I keep my office at 72 degrees F and always use RA liquid flux with it. I plan on picking up a spool of the same solder that the OP listed as I have smaller diameter solder also.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 07:46:29 pm
content: Quote from: teslafan on January 16, 2015, 08:13:00 amNo.It's the same rosin core solder you mentioned in the OP, just as a 1lb spool size, and different diameters. You get more selection this way (wire diameter, flux type, core size <flux %>), and it's cheaper per ounce when comparing apples to apples.As a general rule, the smaller the wire diameter, the more expensive it will be. Any silver content will also drive the price up. Regarding rosin, it comes in 3 activity levels. From least aggressive to most, it's Rosin (R), Rosin Mildly Activated (RMA), and Rosin Activated (RA).Quote from: helius on January 16, 2015, 10:17:31 amI would agree.It's also important to note that it's possible to mix some no-clean formulas with rosin, but not all (read the datasheet for compatibility). Stick to rosin flux exclusively (solder wire + any separate flux), and you avoid the problem entirely.It's also easier to find smaller containers of rosin flux than no-clean IME as well.MG Chemicals Rosin 835would be an example of a hobbyist friendly sized example of liquid RA flux (they also offer a 1L size). Most of the other brands, only offer a 1gal/4L size as their smallest. I linked this, as it's less expensive to fill your own pens/bottles/brushes vs. disposable pens IME.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 10:55:22 pm
content: Thanks fellas, all very useful comments. Thanks for educating me. Happy Trails!