Solder Recommendations (amp question)

webrthomson

So I'm about to build another amp kit and I was wondering what solder recommendations people have and why?

Thanks!

Ross

ThorpyFX

webrthomson said:

So I'm about to build another amp kit and I was wondering what solder recommendations people have and why?

Thanks!

Ross

If its for you, use lead based solder. It flows better, melts easier and gives a shinier joint at lower temperatures. If its for selling commercially use a none lead based one. I like Kester silver alloy solder.

wackojacko

Use 60/40 tin lead solder. It is the easiest to work with. It is also considered the best for electronics work. 

It has a wider temperature range, ie. it will go from molten to solid in a few seconds once the joint has been made, whereas 63/37 tin/lead solder solidifies quicker, meaning you have to be really really quick with the soldering iron. 

If you prefer to go lead-free, then use the lead free with added silver, not the standard lead free you get from the DIY shop.

webrthomson

Thanks for the pointers chaps - it's just for me - so I guess I'll go have a look at lead based solder then

ICBM

Leaded or silver, there's not much in it really. Don't try using plain lead-free with no silver, it's shit (actually technically, almost pure tin ) and is responsible for the bad press lead-free solder has got.

webrthomson

ICBM said:

Leaded or silver, there's not much in it really. Don't try using plain lead-free with no silver, it's shit (actually technically, almost pure tin ) and is responsible for the bad press lead-free solder has got.

Thanks for the guidance I'll avoid the plain lead free then - I think I'll go with the 60/40 lead solder

webrthomson

Got the 60/40 leaded stuff - it's much better that the stuff that was in my trunk of junk which was tin based lead free and as @ICBM ;; said was shite

Thanks very much for the pointers chaps!