Solder quality

[nanofrog]

That said, realistically, even at $110/lb, it's not that bad! I mean, how much solder do you really use? A pound of solder lasts for thousands and thousands of joints, the cost per joint is negligible.

It's one of those things, to me, like dish soap and laundry detergent: even if I buy the "expensive" stuff, it's still negligibly cheap in the grand scheme of things...

I agree with your logic.

Sadly, $110 is a big chunk out of a hobbyist's budget. So this was my guiding principle/POV when I made my post.

Regarding cost of a roll of 62/36/2, I've seen it priced similarly to 63/37 (~mid $50's). The unfortunate part is they have MOQ's (25 or 50 rolls of Kester 44; only the diameter differed).

Another thing I noticed, is TEquipment offers a 1lb roll of 63/37 for $11.53  (Amerway 63/37). It's US made, contains RA flux @ 3%, and is .032" diameter. I've not used it, but the handful of reviews are positive. Unfortunately, Amerway doesn't offer 62/36/2 at all.

Digging around, I found a 1lb spool of AIM 13772 which contains 62/36/2 for $36.51 (RMA @ 3%, .025" diameter). Proof that the people who run Kester are extremely greedy or insane. Probably a bit of both IMHO.   

[hrbngr]

nanofrog,

Newark has the Kester 24-7150-0018 you mentioned at a good price: (though they don't have the 0.20" / 0010 size)
http://www.newark.com/kester-solder/24-7150-0018/solder-wire-62-36-2-sn-pb-ag-315/dp/34C5668  $55.01

Another silver option to the 24-7150 could be:  http://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Soldering-Rework/Solder/Solder-Wire/24-7150-9702-16600
I had read in another thread where you mentioned the 0.20" diameter size as a good option, along with it being a core 285 vs 44. So, primarily RMA vs RA?

Finally, how about some Cardas Quad Eutectic or Wonder Solder signature?

http://www.percyaudio.com/Catalog.pdf  p. 15 solder wire.
1lb Wonder Solder Signature 21ga   $77
1lb Cardas quad-eutectic 20ga    $63.50

There seem to be some nice 62/36/2 silver eutectic options out there, but are they inexpensive enough to get you to switch?  :-)

[nanofrog]

nanofrog,

Newark has the Kester 24-7150-0018 you mentioned at a good price: (though they don't have the 0.20" / 0010 size)
http://www.newark.com/kester-solder/24-7150-0018/solder-wire-62-36-2-sn-pb-ag-315/dp/34C5668  $55.01

Another silver option to the 24-7150 could be:  http://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Soldering-Rework/Solder/Solder-Wire/24-7150-9702-16600
I had read in another thread where you mentioned the 0.20" diameter size as a good option, along with it being a core 285 vs 44. So, primarily RMA vs RA?

Yes. After you've decided on an alloy, diameter, and flux amount (core size or % by weight), then it's down to the flux type between Kester 285 & 44.

Finally, how about some Cardas Quad Eutectic or Wonder Solder signature?

http://www.percyaudio.com/Catalog.pdf  p. 15 solder wire.
1lb Wonder Solder Signature 21ga   $77
1lb Cardas quad-eutectic 20ga    $63.50

There seem to be some nice 62/36/2 silver eutectic options out there, but are they inexpensive enough to get you to switch?  :-)

Marketing BS, so do yourself a favor and skip these. Get the Kester instead (or AIM, Indium, Alpha Metals, Loctite/Henkel/Multicore, ...).

[Neomys Sapiens]

An update on Balver: I retested the Pb-free Brillant2012 and I am still convinced that it is the best for manual soldering that I ever encountered. Now I managed to noodle some 63/37 and some leaded solder with silver out of them and I will try them out when the next opportunity arises.

[aabbcc]

Anyone tried MG Chemicals 4884-227G? Pulled the trigger on this 63/37 solder (which for some reason is a hard alloy composition to find in Europe).

Can't really find a data sheet for this other then the info stated in their catalog:

Sn63/Pb37 RA Solder Wire
This wire is complemented with an RA flux core, strong enough
for excellent tarnish and oxide removal while producing bright
shiny solder joints
RA Flux residues are non-corrosive and non-conductive, and
therefore can be left on the board or cleaned with one of MG’s
flux removers. (See page 14)

Rosin activated flux core (RA)
• Eutectic alloy
• Rapid wetting / Fast flowing
• Consistent soldering
• Non-corrosive
• Non-conductive flux residue
• Optional cleaning
• Standard Flux Core percentage at 2.2% *
• Melting point: 183 °C / 361°F

[agehall]

I'm using 4884-454G (which I suspect is just the 23AWG version of what you are looking at) and I like it a lot. It's pretty much the only thing I use now.

Anything specific you want to know?

[aabbcc]

I'm using 4884-454G (which I suspect is just the 23AWG version of what you are looking at) and I like it a lot. It's pretty much the only thing I use now.

Anything specific you want to know?

Sweet! Yea it's just a different diameter.

*Does it spatter a lot?
*Does the flux leave a nasty brown residue or is it more white/clear?
*Does it leave alot of flux residue?
*Do you remove the flux residue afterwards? If so, is it easily removed with isopropyl alcohol or do you suggest to leave it there?

[agehall]

I don't think it splatters a lot. At least I've never thought about it.

Since mine is fairly small diameter, there isn't all that much flux in it, so I almost always use AmTech 559 along with it. I guess I could try some soldering on a test board without any additional flux and also see if the residue (assuming there is some) is hard to remove.

I might actually stream it on Twitch..

[Wirehead]

Using Stannol HS10 60/40 here. Although 60/40 - it makes nice shiny joints with good wetting 

[djos]

G'day guy's, interesting discussion, I've been using cheap RA Solder (below) from Rhino tools for ages and it's been generally pretty good.

https://rhinotools.com.au/product/solder-06mm/

I build a lot of stuff and thought it was time to up my game to some "good stuff". Unfortunately, I made the mistake of trying the no-clean Multicore solder and found I really hate the stuff! It spits like crazy even at 270c. When it works it produces a really nice joint but it seems to need much longer dwell times to work well. I think it may not like being used on HASL PCB's.

https://www.digikey.com.au/product-detail/en/multicore/386876/82-121-ND/2498919

I think next time I'll buy the normal RA version instead of the NC version and see if that is better. In the meantime, I've gone back to the cheap stuff - If anyone in Melbourne wants my 99% unused roll on NC solder, PM me - I'd be willing to trade it for something of similar value, ~$50 AUD iirc.