[Boatanchors] Kester 88

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

It sounds to me like the Kester rosin core reacts with the lead.  And with 
the higher (70%) lead content, the reaction goes faster.  

I've been using Ersin Multicore mostly since the 70's.  The two rolls I'm 
currently using must date at least 15 years back, and I've noticed no 
problems as recently as the day before yesterday.

In a message dated 09/14/2011 16:18:31 PM Central Daylight Time, 
bluegrassdakine at hotmail.com writes: 
> I still have a problem with solder having a shelf life.  What does the 
> lead 
> change into that it will not work?  I can see if the rosin volatiles 
> evaporate or change chemistry a bit. but lead?  Just use activated rosin 
> and 
> it should work fine business.  I wouldn't waste money to purchase a whole 
> new roll for those tight applications, maybe just a small tube of rolled 
> up 
> solder for those applications and the regular roll with your bottle of 
> other 
> rosin for the major soldering.  Just my .02 cents worth.
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: kmd xplornet.ca
> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 8:08 AM
> To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Boatanchors] Kester 88
> 
> Hi Guys,
> 
> Thanks for all the advice on solder. I have definitely learned a few 
> things.
> Especially that solder can go bad.  Here I thought I was losing my
> technique, but I opened a 'newer' roll of solder and it worked much 
> better.
> The old one pound roll I was using is over 6 years old. And I'll get some
> 'active roisin' and give it a try.
> 
> 73,
> Keith

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480