good electronics solder - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: houdini
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 08:14:39 pm
content: eBay auction: #http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300756185538i was wondering if this would be a good general electronics solder but i beleive dave said something about active cores being bad for electronics so im not sure.

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 08:47:06 pm
content: Your link is unavailable.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 09:10:02 pm
content: Quote from: ftransform on August 09, 2012, 08:47:06 pmNo, his link is malformed.That should be ideal for electronics work, but you'll probably want to make sure you clean the flux residue off.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 09:12:11 pm
content: Tryhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300756185538$7 for 1lb seems good value, Farnell want nearly $70 (converting the UK price back to $) for that much, before shipping & tax.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 09:19:25 pm
content: Shipping is a big factor, if you have access to a local supplier get it there.Personally I like kester or multicore, quality solder makes life easier....mike

author: houdini
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 09:29:26 pm
content: so if i found one thats not mildly active would i not have to clean it up?

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2012, 03:04:24 am
content: Quote from: houdini on August 09, 2012, 09:29:26 pmYou also have to clean RMA up

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2012, 02:07:49 pm
content: Kester 44 or 48 is great stuff.I exclusively use it. Great stuff.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 10, 2012, 10:22:25 pm
content: Multicore branded solder is what you want

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2012, 11:03:16 pm
content: We use the Multicore Crystal 511 leaded solder at work. It's one we settled on after trying many different types.Nice and easy to use; no clean and low spitting. It's amazing how much difference a good solder can make when assembling boards.

author: Architect_1077
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2012, 11:37:55 pm
content: I've recently started working with Kester 44 63/37 solder. What a world of difference compared to what I was using...

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 12:10:54 am
content: Multicore 502 user here ... it's a pleasure to solder with it.63/37 no clean 0.56 mmIt was discontinued by Multicore a few months ago (they're probably discontinuing everything they have with Lead).

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 12:17:42 am
content: Consensus seems to be Multicore or Kester. Those are two quality brands.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 12:33:26 am
content: Quote from: mariush on August 11, 2012, 12:10:54 amWe better stock up then!

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 12:53:13 am
content: If you're doing small SMD you really want 0.3mm

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 01:43:34 am
content: Not sure if Multicore is an European thing or whatnot but I don't think Kester has any intention of discontinuing leaded solder and Kester "48" is really good low spatter stuff.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 03:19:43 am
content: We use 0.71mm solder down to 0603 SMD and pretty pine pitch IC packages.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 03:37:56 am
content: Yes. Since your eBay link looks to be from the American eBay, I'll assume you're American. (Might want to update your location)Here the equivalent would be 0.031" diameter. That will do the trick. Don't want bigger. You can go smaller if you choose though.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 03:46:14 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 11, 2012, 01:43:34 amYeah man! i use 58 but splatter is basically inexistent ...

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 04:11:43 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 11, 2012, 01:43:34 amFunny enough, the Multicore is mostly sold by Digikey, Farnell doesn't have a large selection.The email i got from Digikey was on the 26th of March this year:QuoteSo this particular one will be obsolete ... but it could be just this mix of flux percentage + quantity + Pb/Sn ratio that's "obsolete".Digikey still has a lot of Multicore spools and other brands :http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/soldering-desoldering-rework-products/solder/1310838I wanted a no-clean 63/37 spool with reasonable amount of flux and small diameter at that time, and this one had the best price and hit most checkboxes. Now I see they have 0.39 mm diameter spools for 16$ (227g). Seems like a good price if you have to buy other stuff from Digikey (so you get free shipping).

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 09:44:38 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 11, 2012, 01:43:34 amIsn't Multicore an American brand?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 10:29:48 pm
content: Quote from: SteveyG on August 12, 2012, 09:44:38 pmI don't think so, unless the original company got bought out. "Ersin Multicore" was everywhere and ubiquitous in the UK, but I have found it very hard to find in the US. Almost nobody stocks it.

author: Ivanko1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 11:26:15 pm
content: What can you say about this solder wirehttp://dx.com/p/0-6mm-solder-wire-200g-4643?item=13or this onehttp://dx.com/p/vintage-0-5mm-solder-core-wire-2-7m-length-119948?item=50Cynel (Topnikem), Pros'kit - worth it?

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 11:34:37 pm
content: Quote from: Ivanko1 on October 15, 2012, 11:26:15 pmI have this one and it came 60/40, not 63/37 as the ad says. No problem with that but the quality is very poor. The solder "granulates" and the flux smells very bad.

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 11:37:32 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 10, 2012, 02:07:49 pmCould not find the 48, is it lead free?

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 11:41:32 pm
content: Quote from: David_AVD on August 11, 2012, 12:33:26 amI was thinking about that but don't they have expiration date?

author: necroscope
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:07:42 am
content: I have had great sucsess using multicore 0.63mm 60/40 in combination with a liquid rosin.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:15:06 am
content: Brand is irrelevant.what you want is a 63/37 mixture with an RMA flux in it.Stay away from 60/40 mixes. they are low-grade and stay tacky to long.Only use water soluble flxes if you can wsh the board afterwards ! water soluble fluxes are hygroscopic and become conductive if you leave them on.RA (rosin - Activated) flux absoutely needs to be cleaned off as it is very agressive. RMA (rosin - mildly activated) needs to be cleaned as well. Especially if you have been 'cooking it ' so it leaves a dark brown (caramel colored) or darker residue. you have been carbonising it and the result is a conductivity in the megaohms range. besides RA and RMA are corrosive.no-clean or low-solids is the best for rework. low-solids evaporates completely during soldering. no-clean can be left on.

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:18:37 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on October 16, 2012, 12:15:06 amCan you give me an example of a low solid flux?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:22:10 am
content: kester 951

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:26:09 am
content: Thanks! I will test it for rework, I'm sick of tacky flux.

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 01:41:01 pm
content: Watch out for solder sold as NOS. Old solder has had the rosin core age and it will smell awful every time you use it.

author: necroscope
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 09:46:03 pm
content: Here is a great you tube vid from pace

author: Ivanko1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 06:59:36 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on October 16, 2012, 12:22:10 amWhere that can be ordered?

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 10:33:36 am
content: Quote from: Ivanko1 on October 17, 2012, 06:59:36 amI have found it on ebay:http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=kester+951&_sacat=0&_from=R40

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 04:29:18 pm
content: Quote from: Ivanko1 on October 17, 2012, 06:59:36 amalmost everywhere. even amazon sells it .. duh !http://www.all-spec.com/products/KF95100.html?gclid=CO2W4LS7iLMCFSmCQgodqkIA8Qhttp://www.cmlsupply.com/kester-951-flux-pen.html?gclid=CIuvn7a7iLMCFQSCQgodxGgADAhttp://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kester/83-1000-0951/?qs=%2fha2pyFadui4091nrzRLmZFLksh%252bAuJrHQoPV8mrX8M%3dhttp://www.amazon.com/Kester-951-Soldering-Low-Solids-No-Clean/dp/B004X4KOWS

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 06:06:48 pm
content: If Farnell is more convenient, they also have it:http://uk.farnell.com/kester-solder/83-1000-0951/chemicals-solder/dp/1925200

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 08:04:38 pm
content: I use Kester 44 with 63/37 composition for everything, and it leaves a little bit of brown crust on the PCB. It's really hard to clean off, even with isopropyl alcohol, so it is absolutely required that I clean this rosin off after the solder job? I'm not really sure what type of flux it is (activated or mildly activated).

author: jamesp15
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 10:58:28 pm
content: According to Kester's "Data Sheet" on Kester 44, you dont need to clean it off for "many applications".Can get the datasheets here:http://www.kester.com/SideMenu/Products/HandSolderingMaterials/CoredSolderWire/tabid/259/Default.aspxQuote

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 02:54:23 am
content: What the heck does "normal conditions" and "many applications" stand for? hehehehe

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 06:09:04 am
content: no high voltage ( where it can be conductive ) or high impedant circuitry / precision circuitryno rf where it can also have an impact. flux can even form a complex impedance epsecially if little balls of solder get trapped in it ...

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2012, 12:39:31 pm
content: I prefere Kester 44 too. Sadly I run out of stock. Now I am using some other 60/40 solder. Works well enough for what I am doing (no graining), but I plan to stock up on Kester 44 again, once I used up all that other soler.Cheers,Florian

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 06:04:53 pm
content: Nah, i have 0.4mm Core Size 58 Flux 245 No-clean flux solder around. It's the best solder ever!http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/product-detail.aspx?pn=419-829Flows easily and instantly solidifies (Yes i hate 60/40 for that!)

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2012, 10:56:05 pm
content: I also prefer to use Kester 44 (.5mm/.020").

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 06:02:57 am
content: If I own 0.5 mm solder (kester brand) do you think its worth going lower, to say 0.38 mm solder, for fine pitch SMD stuff?Basically what is the narrowest solder it is practical to own? Someone wrote 0.3mm, but I can't seem to find that dimension.I'm having a slightly hard time believing that a 0.12 mm difference is going to be significant but I'd like to be proved wrong (and become 30$ poorer!!!)

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 06:40:57 am
content: I think if you're going to use anything smaller than 0.5mm/0.20", then it's probably easier to use solder paste and hot air instead of solder wire and iron.

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 08:59:26 am
content: sounds right to me

author: WhiteFireDragon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 09:34:42 am
content: By the way, what is a good soldering paste that's recommended?

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 03:40:02 pm
content: Well it's about time I get a new solder as well, as I don't want to waste the Cardas for general electronicsI've noticed this one on eBay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kester-44-Rosin-Core-Solder-63-37-020-1-lb-Spool-24-6337-0010-/230858963365?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c04439a5The price is 9$ lower than the other Kester 44 sale he has, as he states its "surplus". Any thoughts about which of the 2 I should go for?

author: Jimmy the Squid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2012, 05:35:03 pm
content: In theory, solder has a shelf life, so I would guess that surplus solder on eBay is beyond the shelf-life. It won't kill you like drinking milk a year after it expires, bit it could be a pain in the arse to work with.Here is Kester's shelf-life policy for rosin core: in short, 3-year life.http://www.kester.com/portals/0/knowledge_base_articles/shelf_life_policy.pdf

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2012, 02:50:31 am
content: Quote from: Jimmy the Squid on October 22, 2012, 05:35:03 pmIt will work fine. I got some kester solder for cheap off ebay but it was about 10 years old. Nothing wrong with its performance, but it has the most awful smell, about like mildewed clothing burning every time I use it.

author: Jimmy the Squid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2012, 07:39:22 pm
content: Quote from: ptricks on October 25, 2012, 02:50:31 amI think I would rather pay the extra money to avoid the wrath of the wife when it comes to producing smells reminiscent of burning mildew.

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 25, 2012, 09:02:42 pm
content: I have some solder that's more than 25 years old, it works just fine. It's actually better than some of the newer solder I have. And there's no funky smells.The quality is probably a factor, I remember it was expensive.But the reel is smashed so I can't read the label.