4 ms·
Electronics was my pandemic hobby. Even with a temperature controlled solder station, my technique was really hit or miss. Part of that is obviously experience,
by munificent 4y ago
Electronics was my pandemic hobby. Even with a temperature controlled solder station, my technique was really hit or miss. Part of that is obviously experience, but the real lightbulb moment for me was good solder.
Once I switched to Kester solder, I had a much better more consistent experience. My hypothesis is that cheaper solder doesn't have the flux as evenly distributed, so you get spans of solder with too little flux and then everything gets worse, then you hit a good patch and it gets better.
- WalterBright 4y agoYes, flux is necessary. I use Kester solder, too :-) P.S. I worked my way through college being an electronics assembly technician, so I spent a lot of time soldering. I enjoyed making the boards look perfect. It turns out, this skill is transferable to soldering copper water pipes. Never had a leak! (Using a torch not an iron.)
- skybrian 4y agoAny particular kind you like? I'm still using some lead solder my wife had; maybe I should go lead-free if I'm buying some?
- munificent 4y agoThe one I got is "Kester 24-6337-8800 50 Activated Rosin Cored Wire Solder Roll, 245 No-Clean, 63/37 Alloy, 0.031" Diameter". I have no idea which of those words and numbers are significant. :) I didn't go lead-free because I've heard leaded solder is easier to use (lower melting point?) and since I'm just a part-time hobbyist, the health and environment considerations are minimal. It's not like I'm soldering eight hours a day every day.
- Ccecil 4y agoIf you are going leaded...my favorite is kester "44". Pretty much can't go wrong with it. IMHO...despite the risks of lead...leaded solder is way easier to use and especially inspect. Lead free often looks "cold" just by the color of it.