[Elecraft] Solder and stuff

[Stuart Rohre]

I have been soldering since 1957.   Originally, I used Kester solder.  But
about 1960 I discovered an English import, "Ersin Multicore solder".  Its
claim to fame is it uses multiple cores of flux to give superior wetting
with less flux left at the joint than Kester and ordinary solders.  It has
continued to be the best looking and cleanest solder I can find.

Over some 34 years of Research Lab work, I have used Multicore Solders as
they are now known, (and made in USA); almost exclusively.   Each time I did
pick up a Kester roll, its joints were not as pretty as the Savbit Multicore
solder I prefer.  Multicore was widely available around the world in my DX
days.

In the USA it has come under the company that makes Permatex gasket products
but is still the best solder for the K2 and any kit work I have found.
Savbit alloys preserve your iron tips that erode with use of other solder.

Is Multicore still widely available in UK?   I would advise hams to stock up
now on tin/ lead solders, especially the higher tin content ones which gives
the shiniest joints.

-Stuart Rohre
K5KVH