I recently came to the realization that I’ve been kinda punishing myself with cheap no-name solder that is really difficult to work with.
I reluctantly bought this (rather expensive) lead free solder for around $25 and the difference really took me by surprise - it melts and flows so easily!
Kinda got me wondering what everyone else has been using for solder, or what’s worked well for you so far at least?
That makes sense! In my case I actually needed to turn down my iron temps for the lead-free solder, previously had it ridiculously high from when I was trying to work with the cheap no-name solder.
This new lead free stuff is great, it comes with a price tag but it’s eons better than the no-name stuff IMO.
I have flux (syringe type) but I have no idea if I’m using it correctly, or if it’s just not that great. Haven’t noticed too much of a difference when soldering with it, apart from needing to brush off the circuit board with some contact cleaner to remove the residue
What temperature are you using?
350°C, although I occasionally turn it down to 325 when I don’t need the extra heat.
When I was using my older, cheaper solder, I had the iron maxed out at 420 and that wouldn’t melt or flow easily