[Elecraft] RE: Started building my K2 have a few ?

[Matt Palmer]

A metcal 037 tip is 700 deg F. I'm using some kester 60/40 solder I had
laying about(pocketpak), not sure of actual part number. In regards to my
plating question, from a commercial production standpoint, if gold plating
is too thick on a part, it tends to cause cracking in a solder joint in
later life. Under JSTD001 gold platings above a certain thickness are
supposed to be filed/sanded down to alleviate this problem. Usually at least
in my place of business we do not know of problems with plating until it is
too late. I was just curious if there were any other  'crafters out there
that have had issues with the gold plated connectors, if not I don't plan on
worrying about it, I have not had the opportunity to look at the joints
under a scope, however just the fact that capillary action failed to pull
solder thru the vias and wet the top of the board gave me a bad initial
feeling