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Post by Ripper on May 15, 2006 8:49:30 GMT -5
As far as solder goes, is it pretty much a no brainer?
Is there one thats better then others for instruments?
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Post by UnklMickey on May 15, 2006 10:27:20 GMT -5
As far as solder goes, is it pretty much a no brainer?
far from it! and getting farther every day. once upon a time, the only rule of thumb was: rosin core for electrical work acid core (or acid paste and solid wire solder) for plumbing. the ratio of tin and lead was 50 / 50. or 60 / 40 (i don't recall if more tin or more lead, but i think it was more tin.) today there are "no clean" fluxes that require minimal or no clean-up. and lead-free allloys that are mostly tin, with small amounts of silver, and/or antimony, and/or copper. what is the optimum alloy / flux combination today? what will it be tomorrow? good questions. unk |
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Post by ux4484 on May 15, 2006 10:51:36 GMT -5
While you could go with a higher tin or even silver solder mix if you used rosin separately, it's really not worth the trouble for the extra time and effort for most folks. Flux soldering is more of an art, and requires a decent amount of practice before you go digging around in your Axe (IMO). I usually try to avoid Radio Shack if I can, but for some stuff it's just the easiest place to go. They have a couple nice solders that should do the trick, the first is High Tech Rosin Core solder Which has a slightly higher tin content. Keep in mind, a higher tin content makes for a stiffer connection, it's fine on a switch or pots, but you should use regular 60/40 on your jacks, as they move internally a LOT!. If you concerned about how it "looks" a Clear Flux solder is also available. It makes a nicer looking joint, but is a regular 60/40 mix. Concerning longevity: Soldering is worthless if you don't use the "secure Mechanical Connection" method. Make sure you have a clean post, a freshly stripped wire/lead, and a good wrap on/around to whatever you are soldering. Tinning the leads will ease soldering if you're just beginning, but when using stranded wire, it makes it harder to get as good a wrap on a post. |
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Post by UnklMickey on May 15, 2006 12:25:12 GMT -5
...I usually try to avoid Radio Shack if I can, but for some stuff it's just the easiest place to go. ... sounds like a love-hate relationship? |
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Post by ux4484 on May 15, 2006 12:40:49 GMT -5
...I usually try to avoid Radio Shack if I can, but for some stuff it's just the easiest place to go. ... sounds like a love-hate relationship? absolutely! |
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Post by UnklMickey on May 15, 2006 13:40:17 GMT -5
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Post by ux4484 on May 15, 2006 14:11:20 GMT -5
heh....I was thinking more music related....but if you insist....
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