Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: goBulawayo on September 24, 2018, 09:26:02 pm
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Hi All, having trouble with solder and I was wondering if any one can help please
I had a length of solder, type unknown that was really good, wicked into braided strand wire, set easily onto brass and left lovely shiny joints. Anyway it ran out and I have now purchased three different types (one was rosin core 63/37, the other was 60/40 tin lead rosin cored) and non of them is as good, they wont wick in easily, the joints are rough and floury looking. I am using a 25 watt soldering iron, mostly for soldering electrical connections for my boats and making brass handrails etc.
Many thanks Wayne
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It could be because your iron is not hot enough, I use a 60w iron for most of my work. I assume that you are using a flux?
Peter.
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Thanks Peter, yes using a flux - I am using the same iron so not sure why it was hot enough for the one but not the others?
Wayne
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I don't use rosin core. But I do use 60/40, and a good flux.
:-)
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I do a lot of soldering work it definitely sounds like your iron not hot enough.I use a white plumbers flux which is water soluble. After your work is finished simply wash in hot water to remove any residue. Your iron may be ok for small areas but large areas the heat will dissipate meaning it will take longer to heat the area this gives a poor joint.
Stan
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Yes, you are using the same iron but the constituent parts of the solders are the possible cause of your problem. nemesis
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I always pick up any old solder reels I see when at boot fairs, as the old stuff is far superior to the lead free solders they produce nowadays, I am guessing it may have had a higher lead concentration or another compound to lower the melting temperature, maybe a low melting point solder of some description.
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Simple answer to your problem buy a tin lead solder use a quality flux stay away from lead free solder and use a suitable iron for the area you are soldering. Component shop sells lead free solder
Stan
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As the others mentioned before me, the flux and the heat is really important.
The 37/63 solder is the best and I would use which has multicore flux in it, plus additional flux, and not mentioned the clean surface
I suggest to use a MetCal iron, , or a Weller where you can change the temperature.