Finally swapped out my old lead solder for a proper rosin core last week

Used to fight with cold joints and bad flow for years until a guy at a NYC camera swap told me to try Kester 44, and now my shutter repairs actually stay put the first time; what kind of solder are you all using for circuit boards?

2 comments

2 Comments

webb.blake22d ago

Tried switching to Kester 44 last year after a buddy at a makerspace kept raving about it. Still got a half-used roll of ancient 60/40 from RadioShack sitting in a drawer that I save for weird vintage stuff where the pads look sketchy. Honestly the biggest game changer for me was getting a proper temp-controlled iron instead of that $15 Weller pencil. Nothing worse than chasing a cold joint across a board at 2am.

christopher_kim21d ago

Yeah that "cold joint across a board at 2am" hit me right in the feels lol. @webb.blake I used to think a temp controlled iron was just overhyped nonsense until I finally caved and bought a Hakko FX-888D. Now I look back at all those hours fighting with that cheap Weller and just shake my head. That old 60/40 stash is smart for vintage stuff though, the lead free just doesn't wet the same on those crusty pads.