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I recently came to the realization that I've been kinda punishing myself with cheap no-name solder that is really difficult to work with.
I reluctantly bought this (rather expensive) lead free solder for around $25 and the difference really took me by surprise - it melts and flows so easily!
Kinda got me wondering what everyone else has been using for solder, or what's worked well for you so far at least?
Ages ago (80's I think) there was talk of making lead free solder the only type that was available to consumers, and my great uncle (a deal horder) went out and got 2 cases of radioshack 64/40 resin core. Pretty sure it's the same stuff you can still buy today, but I've got another 4 spools in my kit (that are old enough to drink).
In my uncles defense sometimes his deal hording paid off. He once saved a family reunion when our venue fell through because he happened to have a dozen brand new hibachi grills in the apartment he rented just for his stuff. And he made a small fortune when he bought a bunch of freon before it went off the market.
I have 60/40 leaded solder that worked pretty well. I'm definetly going to invest into some good lead free solder
I'm all about the leaded solder -- but I also use it very infrequently and don't worry about the motility of my swimmers ;)
I think it’s the your synapses you need to worry about, but I forget, I love my 60/40 too. Still have a couple big rolls from RadioShack.
Really though if you wash hands after handling it, and use it in such small hobby scale quantities as most, it won’t matter. The smoke from the burning rosin is probably more dangerous.
Leaded baby
With no ventilation! Mmm, smells like dying brain cells.
The smoke is from the rosin core and flux. Lead free is equally bad for the lungs.
I wouldn't eat after touching Lead though.
60/40 leaded solder with rosin core, from a local reputable supplier
Give me good ole rosin core 60/40 lead solder any day.
Admittedly I've never used any "good" lead free solder.
Kester 63/37 no-clean 22AWG for leaded work, SN100C no-clean for RoHS. Mg chemicals and chip quik are good alternatives, Kester can be expensive to justify for home use.
I have a similar-sized roll of 0.5mm Felder Sn100Ni+ with their ultra clear flux. Love the shinyness.
Indeed, don’t skimp on solder, especially when soldering lead-free.
I use ChipQuik's 62/36/2.
I haven't found a lead free solder that works as well as this stuff. Plus, I never need to worry about silver-plated stuff cracking at the joint.