Quality Solder

[Tom Wesenberg]

Solder sure has gotten expensive in the past 10 years, ever since B.O. talked about closing all the lead mines in the U.S. Anyway, back about 1981 I bought some of the made in China solder when the tool gypsies first started making the circuit rides around the country. It was pure garbage, and no way would it make a nice clean smooth solder joint, so I've always looked for any older spools of good American made solder.

Has anyone used the rosin core China made solder lately, and has it improved?

[BNCHIEF]

I always bought my solder at radio shack and it always did a good job for me. I would probably check with electronics suppliers, will have to ask my brother he repairs boards and such.

[DaWizard]

As of right now, I still believe in Kester solder, though even their quality has taken a beating from the EPA. It isn't easy to find the good rosin core solder, and when you do, at least get a pound of it, in any size you can. The one to find is the yellow-ish brown packaging. IF you have access to an electronics store other than RS, you may still be able to find it, but ALL the RS stores around here are closed now.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes, just before I posted this question I did buy 2 pounds of the good Kester solder in the older package, so I should be good for quite a while.

[DaWizard]

Tom, when they started making it "safe" it removed the best qualities of the solder. If you have any of the pre-safe solder, hoard it, I do cause this safe crap sucks.

[Mitch]

You got that right Wiz

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

There was a flat "ribbon" solder, that you wrapped around the wire & heated it with a MATCH! Is it still around?

[Kevin in NJ]

Lead mines closed operations because the recycling of 80% of the lead so it was no longer cost effective to continue mining. That is straight from the. Companies website.

I have not used new solder. I have a lot of 60/40 rosin core stashed. The new tin based solder is pain to deal with on the new boards. I reflow a lot with lead when doing board work. The EU mandated the tin and it sucks for consumers. The automotive stuff is failing because of removing lead. The amount that gets into the environment is nothing compared to others sources.

[Tom Wesenberg]

When I remodeled my mom's bathroom I tried the new lead free on the copper shower pipe, and never could get a complete seal. I finally had to use some of my rosin core solder.

[Big-Foot]

I go to Garage Sales and Estate Sales where they have tools and buy up lead solder there for work in my shop.
I have done some plumbing work for friends and had some trouble with the new lead-free solder actually sealing "until" I switched over to the rosin required. Stuff I used was all from Otay and it worked well. I have to say that I'm glad that I didn't use the old lead (which I had along) as it never quits shedding into the water. They have three precious daughters which we've adopted as Grand Daughters (or they adopted us - I forget)..
Anyway the point is that the new solders will work, but you have to have all the right components and the metal must be clean. I use steel wool or Scotch-Brite pad..
Oh and something else I found out -
The Yellow bottle "MAP" Gas -I am told- is no longer the same MAP Gas we used to buy. This new stuff does not burn as hot as Real MAP Gas, but is hotter than Propane. I suppose the EPA stepped in to protect us from ourselves again.

Regards - Randy

[DaWizard]

Hey RANDY, WELCOME to the VFF!!

[Big-Foot]

Thanks Da! Glad to be here!

[BNCHIEF]

x2

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yesterday I went to our club's swap meet at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and found 3 one pound spools of the good Kester rosin core solder for $5. One spools was full, and two were half full or a little more.

[Mike V. Florida]

Lead mines closed operations because the recycling of 80% of the lead so it was no longer cost effective to continue mining. That is straight from the. Companies website.

That is only part of the story, the last smelter closed in 2013 so even with the recycling there seems to be no place to smelt it here in the US.