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Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:01 am
by Johnny Alien
I know this might sound extra nerdy but I saw that the Unlimited Dual uses silver solder. Can I find out what brand or percentage combo that wire is? I was thinking of starting to use some silver solder but heard it was potentially difficult to use. I found it interesting that this pedal listed it amongst the marketing. Thanks in advance!

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:29 pm
by David Barber
Johnny Alien wrote:I know this might sound extra nerdy but I saw that the Unlimited Dual uses silver solder. Can I find out what brand or percentage combo that wire is? I was thinking of starting to use some silver solder but heard it was potentially difficult to use. I found it interesting that this pedal listed it amongst the marketing. Thanks in advance!


RoHS solder seems to be improving a little each year we use whichever brand and formulation is giving us the best results. If you have good fume extraction try glow-core .03 or .026. Silver is not crucial, it's more important that you work with a solder that makes good connections and works best with your equipment. What kind of iron do you have? RoHS tip? Fume extraction?

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 3:47 pm
by Johnny Alien
I have a tried and true Weller that I have been using for years. I do not have a RoHS tip but have been thinking of picking one up. As far as fume extraction, my workbench is right next to a window that I keep open with a fan blowing. That is super low tech but I have never really had any issues. I guess maybe it's something I should think about though.

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 4:59 pm
by David Barber
I would not recommend going lead-free until you have fume extraction, I use and recommend Metcal extraction before you take on three times the fumes, which is what you get with RoHS solder.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Metcal/BVX-201

I'd also recommend a nice Metcal solder station with quick change ceramic tips. The price point is hard to beat when you look at what you are getting and the safety level the provide.

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:26 pm
by Johnny Alien
David Barber wrote:I would not recommend going lead-free until you have fume extraction, I use and recommend Metcal extraction before you take on three times the fumes, which is what you get with RoHS solder.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Metcal/BVX-201

I'd also recommend a nice Metcal solder station with quick change ceramic tips. The price point is hard to beat when you look at what you are getting and the safety level the provide.


Sorry to respond to a really old post but what Metcal would you suggest. I am looking at getting another station and am looking at this. I might try to go used to save some bucks. SP200? PS800? Something even higher end? Both have the smart heat system.

For the new stuff there is the OKi PS900.

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:43 pm
by David Barber
Johnny Alien wrote:
David Barber wrote:I would not recommend going lead-free until you have fume extraction, I use and recommend Metcal extraction before you take on three times the fumes, which is what you get with RoHS solder.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Metcal/BVX-201

I'd also recommend a nice Metcal solder station with quick change ceramic tips. The price point is hard to beat when you look at what you are getting and the safety level the provide.


Sorry to respond to a really old post but what Metcal would you suggest. I am looking at getting another station and am looking at this. I might try to go used to save some bucks. SP200? PS800? Something even higher end? Both have the smart heat system.

For the new stuff there is the OKi PS900.


In the $250 range the PS900 is nice, also the Hakko FX951 is the current favorite in the shop after acquiring 3 units in December. DON'T FORGET FUME EXTRACTION.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Hakko/FX951?referrer=googleshopping

Re: Silver Solder Question

PostPosted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:49 pm
by Johnny Alien
David Barber wrote:In the $250 range the PS900 is nice, also the Hakko FX951 is the current favorite in the shop after acquiring 3 units in December. DON'T FORGET FUME EXTRACTION.

http://www.hmcelectronics.com/product/Hakko/FX951?referrer=googleshopping


I was looking at the FX951 actually. I have it on my list to get a fume extractor. I am not doing anything lead free at the moment and wouldn't without getting one.