Soldering info.....temps & tips

[Charlie-III]

Basic info from Weller....includes temps..... Electronics Tips: Soldering Techniques

Info on lead-free:
Most lead-free replacements for conventional Sn60/Pb40 and Sn63/Pb37 solder have melting points from 5 to 20 °C higher,^[9] though solders with much lower melting points are available.

Sn-Ag-Cu (Tin-Silver-Copper) solders are used by two thirds of Japanese manufacturers for reflow and wave soldering, and by about 75% of companies for hand soldering. The widespread use of this popular lead-free solder alloy family is based on the reduced melting point of the Sn-Ag-Cu ternary eutectic behavior (217 ˚C), which is below the Sn-3.5Ag (wt.%) eutectic of 221 °C and the Sn-0.7Cu eutectic of 227 °C

Alloys commonly used for electrical hand-soldering are 60/40 Tin/lead (Sn/Pb) which melts at 370 °F or 188 °C and 63/37 Sn/Pb used principally in electrical/electronic work. The 63/37 is a eutectic alloy, which:

1. has the lowest melting point (183 °C or 361.4 °F) of all the tin/lead alloys; and
2. the melting point is truly a point — not a range.

Some of the above is from.... Solder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Another link... What

Looks like ~220*C is a start.

I started looking for info since I just received a decent digital soldering station, wanted to know where to start.

[Charlie-III]

Quick easy temp conversion... Google

Just type in a temp (in *C or *F) and it fills in the other value.

[losikid]

I use 63/37 on bigger stuff where cold joints may arise (my hands arn't very steady)....small stuff i use a silver solder.

Don't rely on google on conversions, it fawked me over last night doing homework...

Also, get a tip cleaner

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by LosiKid

small stuff i use a silver solder.

Don't rely on Google on conversions, it fawked me over last night doing homework...

Silver solder, or "high content silver based lead/tin solder"?

I used silver added solder for 12th & 10th carpet car pack to drop the resistance.
Typically "silver solder" you need a gas type torch to melt. Silver soldering is in the family of "hard solder" that includes brazing.
Silver loaded solder is more in the realm of "soft solder" that we do with a soldering gun/pencil.

Not picking, just asking/clarifying.

[losikid]

its silver bearing....2%