[Boatanchors] Kester 88

[J. Forster]

>      Somewhere there must be an explanation of what exactly
> happens to solder when it ages.

Kester has a site w/ info on it.

> I note that an earlier post
> states that the shelf life of solid wire solder is
> substantially longer than cored solder. So, is it the flux
> core itself or a reacation of the metals with the core?

Bar and sol;id wire are essentially unlimited from Kester.

> This must be based on research of some sort. Does old solder
> make bad joints?

Not AFAIK.

> What about soldered joints, do they also
> age? I think they do because we have all encountered bad
> solder joints. Usually this is blamed on poor soldering
> technique but perhaps that is not always the cause.

My bet is on the original craftsmanship.

> I know
> that vibration can cause solder joints to crystalize with
> time.

That's likely metal fatigue.

> All the answers must lie in the technical literature
> somewhere.

Start w/ the Ke4ster site.

>      BTW, solder is also sold in ingots for use in solder
> pots, how does this compare with wire solder for aging?

Same as uncored...  essentially indefinite.

>      I am another that thought that solder was forever. I
> guess nothing is forever.

IMO, for most practical purposes, it is.

Best,

-John

=====================
>
>
> --
> Richard Knoppow
> Los Angeles
> WB6KBL
> dickburk at ix.netcom.com
>
>