Solder Recommendation

[laatsch55]

Amen CJ, that's why we use Kester 44..thanks for the data sheers Dennis..

 

[NavLinear]

I don't recommend using lead free solder for any electronic work: design, manufacturing or repair.
Lead is an essential ingredient for and quality, shiny solder joints.
There was a time when I only lead free solder and pure lead solder to do a job. I had to mix the two together to avoid dull solder joints that can easily crack and crumble.
There is a great potential for dendrite growth that can cause circuit failure with lead free solder.
I would not trust any electronic equipment manufactured or serviced using lead free solder.
I believe that the RoHS banning lead in solder and cadmium in batteries in EU is totally misguided and irresponsible. Recycling and safe handling of such toxic metals should be the main focus.

I totally agree Chris - the unleaded sucks hind tit.

 

[laatsch55]

The 99% alcohol works well and it is easy to get. I use Ensolve but it is not compatible with some of the components used in audio such as the heat shrink wrapped electrolytic capacitors.

http://www.envirotechint.com/industrial-solvents/npb-solvents/ensolv/

I use acetone on the trace side and Iso on the component side..Ensolver is the same as Dynasolve and I keep a healthy distance from that stuff nowadays after the wrinkled hand incident..

 

[NavLinear]

Amen CJ, that's why we use Kester 44..thanks for the data sheers Dennis..

I couldn't get a data sheet besides a MSDS for the flux you use so I wanted to include the data sheets of what Kester recommended for flux. Of course it is a Kester product - go figure.

 

[NavLinear]

I use acetone on the trace side and Iso on the component side..Ensolver is the same as Dynasolve and I keep a healthy distance from that stuff nowadays after the wrinkled hand incident..

You're not supposed to clean your hands with it! Your hands looked like plastic after that - a scary moment!

I'm very careful with EnSolv and use it judiciously.

I've found that acetone sometimes removes component markings but using it on the non-component side would work.

 

[premiumplus]

Kester 44 here, 60/40. Kester flux pens for reflow, sometimes I use No-Corrode (sp?) solder paste, not much though...and I'll probably catch flack for this, but brake cleaner is the best flux remover I've ever used. I had some old boards that were trash, and I experimented with it, flushing the board and scrubbing it with a fairly stiff toothbrush. Talk about clean! And, I have yet to see it lift a trace or harm a board. Q-tips and a little brake cleaner to soften it up, then isopropyl or acetone for finishing up. Just do it out in the open air. Nasty stuff, I sure don't want to be breathing it.

 

[laatsch55]

Are you old enough to remember carbon tetrachloride?? Now that shit WORKED!!

 

[laatsch55]

I couldn't get a data sheet besides a MSDS for the flux you use so I wanted to include the data sheets of what Kester recommended for flux. Of course it is a Kester product - go figure.

So the CG is repackaged Kester??

 

[premiumplus]

Are you old enough to remember carbon tetrachloride?? Now that shit WORKED!!

Oh, yeah. Carbon tet was the shit. That would clean ANYTHING. You can still get MEK but it just isn't the same...

 

[NavLinear]

So the CG is repackaged Kester??

I'm not sure but the write up indicates that it is non-corrosive and non-conductive so it appears to be a similar product.

The 60/40 will work well - I have some but I prefer the 63/37 ratio. The dwell time between solder flow and solidification is shorter. Next care package I'll include some 63/37 and flux for you to compare.

 

[laatsch55]

Coolness!!

 

[Gepetto]

I'm not sure but the write up indicates that it is non-corrosive and non-conductive so it appears to be a similar product.

The 60/40 will work well - I have some but I prefer the 63/37 ratio. The dwell time between solder flow and solidification is shorter. Next care package I'll include some 63/37 and flux for you to compare.

Second that on 63/37. The only thing to use. The Kester 44 is good but I prefer the no clean flux version

 

[Skywavebe]

For years I have used Kester 44 and in fact a few years ago I bought a pile of 1 pounders for $7 a roll. I wonder how many years that was?
I have used a lot of different solder and the unleaded stuff just is too hot but the harder solder metals are better for solar panels I have to think.
It is too bad that they have to charge such high prices on the 44 as it is probably the best selling stuff. I use some Tenma solder which I refer to as slag solder. That is where they probably made it from. Of course it is cheaper. I did not buy it, it was the people at News web radio.

 

[Nick Danger]

Kester 44 is in the cart....cheers!

 

[fitz43]

Love mine and it's a great value, and if it can survive me it should do fine for you, and an added feature is it turns itself off afdter an hour of no temp fluctuation...VERYY HANDY FEATURE...

WES51 - what temp do you operate it at?

 

[laatsch55]

500 to 1000.

 

[Gepetto]

The Kester 63/37 in "no clean" works as well as or better than the Kester 44 that I have used for years. It goes under the "245" series. I get the 1% flux by volume, keeps the residue down. The Kester part number is 24-6337-8809 for the 0.025" diameter solder wire. The flux residue is less conductive than the "44" which is a big plus.

If you want to clean it with Isopropyl alcohol, it cleans up much easier than the "44" does and leaves no residue once cleaned. I have been through a couple 1# rolls of the 245 and it performs very well. Same iron temperatures as the "44". Highly recommended.

 

[Skynyrd77]

Is three really solder that's 200$ a ft. My speaker guy claimed he used over 200$ in solder doin my million dollar speaks?????

 

[laatsch55]

Yes. and it's sold only to those who believe that "The Good Witch" really was and the guy in the red suit was still real even after they had their own children..

 

[laatsch55]

The Kester 63/37 in "no clean" works as well as or better than the Kester 44 that I have used for years. It goes under the "245" series. I get the 1% flux by volume, keeps the residue down. The Kester part number is 24-6337-8809 for the 0.025" diameter solder wire. The flux residue is less conductive than the "44" which is a big plus.

If you want to clean it with Isopropyl alcohol, it cleans up much easier than the "44" does and leaves no residue once cleaned. I have been through a couple 1# rolls of the 245 and it performs very well. Same iron temperatures as the "44". Highly recommended.

Why do I always see this kind of thing after buying a lifettime supply of the inferior product??