[Elecraft] Solder?

[Don Brown]

Hi

I have no experience with that brand of solder. However if it seems to make 
good shiny joints with a good filet then it should be OK. I would rather use 
63/37 .025 or .020 for pc-board work. The 60/40 has the potential for a cold 
solder joint if the lead moves while the solder is cooling from a liquid to 
a solid. The 63/37 does not do this. I find the .031 too large and the 
tendency is to apply too much to the joint. With the .025 or .020 you can 
control the amount applied easier.

I have used Kester and Multicore. Kester is available from Mouser and 
Multicore is part of Locktite now but I think they have a minimum order 
requirement. Mouser does not have a minimum order. You may be able to get 
Kester from DigiKey also.

A lot of the difference in solders is the flux not the solder itself. Kester 
offers many different flux cores. For kit building Kester 44 or 285 with a 
flux content of 3.3% is the correct solder. For experienced builders Kester 
245 no-clean can be used but should be avoided by beginners. This solder 
comes in 1.1% and 2.2% flux content. This flux is clear in color and with 
the low content it does not show up on the boards so can be left on the 
board or is easier to clean if you prefer to clean the boards. However it 
requires more skill because of the low flux content.

Don Brown
KD5NDB




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Spence Wilhelm" <cswilhelm at hotmail.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 9:11 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Solder?


> Just wondering about solder quality...  Getting ready to build my K2 and
> want to make sure I have the right solder for the job.  The elecraft site
> lists several brands/types.   This week I stopped into Circuit Specialists
> in Mesa AZ and bought some solder.  When I asked if they had any Kester
> solder they sold me this stuff.
>
> ---- description----
> RH60 Solder 1lb Spool, .031'' Diam, 60/40 (Sn%/Pb%) (RH60-1)
> Here is quality solder manufactured to the highest standards at a 
> tremendous
> price. Circuit Specialists is a direct importer of this product and our
> large purchasing power enables us to offer this product at great savings.
> Manufactured with pure tin from Malaysia, and lead ingots from Australia.
> This solder has obtained prestigious Japanese Industry Standard (JIS)
> certification. It surpasses all levels defined in JIS and MIL standards 
> for
> solderability, non-corrosiveness and conductivity. Melting points are
> 362°-365°F for the 63/37 and 365°-383°F for the 60/40.
>
> http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/6259
>
> --------------
>
> Anybody have opinions/experience with the solder from Circuit Specialists?
> Would it be a good choice for the K2?  It appears to solder well and is
> quite clean.  Some of the older kester that I have seems to have a lot 
> more
> flux than this stuff.  Thoughts?
>
> 73,
>
> Spence W7CSW
>
>
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