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Do you still use leaded solder? I was today refused to buy it ...

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coppercone2:


I like how they use a ladle to plumb the wire (*no tin here AFAIK*). The lead is sculpted like clay by hand in its semi molten state.

many are left in service today. If I could shrink myself down like ant man I would do all soldering this way. Pour lead into a VIA from a 'cement mixer'  ^-^

james_s:

--- Quote from: Bassman59 on November 18, 2021, 06:06:50 pm ---Why?

What are you working on that requires lead-based solder?

--- End quote ---

I work on lots of older equipment that was made using lead based solder. I also have never been happy with the performance of lead free when doing hobby projects, it just makes nicer joints, and the amount of lead I will use in my lifetime is negligible anyway so it's not an issue.

tooki:

--- Quote from: Halcyon on November 18, 2021, 12:30:58 am ---On the subject of leaded solder, I need to order some more. I don't use a lot of solder, but I usually keep a few different thicknesses on hand for hobbyist purposes.

There are so many different formulations available with varying ratios of lead and other metals such as copper, tin, silver etc...

I don't have a specific requirement for anything exotic, should I just stick with the standard 60/40 Sn/Pb stuff with a rosin core?

--- End quote ---
Go for Kester 63/37. The 3% make a difference that makes hand soldering just nicer: the lack of a plastic phase makes joints less susceptible to disturbance.

I recommend Kester 44 without reservation. Digi-Key sells it in various diameters, of which 0.032” (around 0.8mm) is my favorite. (As well as versions with other fluxes which I haven’t tried.)

FWIW, I’ve not been enamored by the Stannol 60/40 we use at work. It’s not bad, but the Kester is better. Stannol’s 62/36/2 is nice. Their lead-free solders work well, but I find their fluxes spit more than I like. I’ve also used Tamura-Elsold 62/36/2 and it’s great, but I don’t know of anyone that sells it.

tooki:

--- Quote from: BreakingOhmsLaw on November 18, 2021, 12:40:07 am ---
--- Quote from: Halcyon on November 18, 2021, 12:30:58 am ---I don't have a specific requirement for anything exotic, should I just stick with the standard 60/40 Sn/Pb stuff with a rosin core?

--- End quote ---

There may be more refined stuff out there, but with this classic you can't really go wrong.
Personally, i have been using 1mm STANNOL Sn60PB40 as my daily driver for 30 years, and it is great stuff IMHO.

--- End quote ---
You should try a good 63/37 solder like the Kester I mentioned. It’ll be quite a treat!

tooki:

--- Quote from: ogden on November 15, 2021, 08:49:56 pm ---Why don't you use leaded solder for SMD? No such solder-paste anymore?

--- End quote ---


--- Quote from: Miyuki on November 18, 2021, 06:00:05 am ---Sn62/Pb36/Ag2 is nice but looks like phased out as a wire. Paste and wire are still common.

--- End quote ---

Haven’t you guys ever looked at Digi-Key, Mouser, or Farnell? You’d know that both of those products are still readily available.

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