Not like any type I've used. I have some Kester SAC305 lead free as well and the solder I received from FT is much harder to work with than that. It is definitely not eutectic and has a very high plastic range.
My main point was this: It is labeled as 63/37 solder, and it isn't anywhere near real 63/37 solder.
Looking at the reviews for these solders it is obvious that the people writing the reviews have never used real 63/37 solder.
I've used this solder from FastTech:
https://www.fasttech.com/p/1444503
...and have been happy with it. It solders much better than other cheap solder I've had in the past. Of course, I've never used any name-brand designer solders, so I don't know how it would compare. Unfortunately, sold out at the moment...
First I want to say that I have no attention to defend anyone and especially FT. They disappointed me with some low quality items(like cctv batteries).
But I will have to be honest about mentioned FT solder cause I use it. It is very good if I compare it local store stuff. FT smokes a lot but joints are clean.
"After you flow the solder, it is almost impossible to rework or remove". I totally agree they are hard to de solder even with adding flux. And because of that I would really like to try premium stuff solder but it seems no one carries that at local stores.
I would never and ever recommend this type of solder to anyone. FT solder works like a song if I compare it to that shyte. It looks like lead. Terrible joints which looks darker and it needs more heat and flux to solder something(I am not using it any more, but it is drawer for "just in case").
FT solder smokes a lot during soldering while mentioned ali solder or my local store solder smokes very little. Could that be indication that FT has more flux inside?
FT solder has good reviews.I would agree with them. It does need some heat for stacking 7135 chips or soldering driver (350 C)
And guys if you are talking about this solder paste? You are not kidding me right? :)
This is great solder paste! I have done tons of emitter re-flow with this and including some very expensive ones from Osram. Wire tining is a dream with this :) My only complaint is that they cheat with amount of paste inside box. Box looks big but yet when you open it is only like 60% filled.
I respect your opinions and there have to be difference between premium stuff and cheap stuff from China. I can work with mentioned stuff but I would probably work even better with premium one. So...
If someone wants to share link or two I'll maybe grab something ;)
I love this stuff… Like you said, makes tinning a breeze, I use it extensively for emitter reflows, and a dot on the solder pads of a new PCB makes it easy to solder the wires!
Ain't nobody talkin' bad about the Mechanics paste here--we're talking about wire, and I'm only talking specifically about the two that I've actually used.
Oh my apologies Sir. It seems that I totally misunderstood this reply about solder paste:
Well, you'd have to be a really cheap basterd to buy wire solder from FT in the first place. If you need solder, just get Kester... Oh, and the solder paste? I have 3 tubs of it in my butter drawer in the fridge. Lasts years for me and its great stuff. Just kidding about the solder Rich... I do that all the time on FT looking for incredible bargains. There are many....
I've used a ton of the Mechanics solder paste. I also sell it, which is something I wouldn't do if I thought it was worthless. It isn't the best out there for mass application, but it's by far the best value.
’oogled and all I find is those 2 sources for $40+ rolls — is there a source for smaller quantities of exactly that same product?
(or this for $20+ plus shipping in paste form): http://www.rshughes.com/p/Kester-R276-No-Clean-No-Clean-Lead-Free-Solder-Paste-Syringe-7016080820/70_1608_0820/
I get a whole rash of ‘lead free’ results when I search more broadly but “Lottery” —
and all I see is those 2 items when I limit to that specific Kester 305.
Maybe it’s an Ace Hardware thing commonly found and I just don’t know how to find it?
_
EDIT, thanks to RMM in the other thread, found Amazon carries smaller sizes and “305” describes the material, from several manufacturers, here’s one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003D8O7UA
MG Chemicals 4900 SAC305, 96.3% Tin, 0.7% Copper, 3% Silver, No Clean Lead Free Solder, 0.032” Diameter, 0.6 oz Pocket Pack
Everything is made in China these days. They got to have quality stuff to work with. This linked ali solder looks like good one.
I work an electric motor repair shop and we have an account with EIS, so I was browsing around and found that they offer a free sample of Loctite GC10 which is top shelf solder paste that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Well I submitted an order for a sample expecting them to send me an ounce or less. Well they sent me a whole 500 gram tub of the stuff, 90 bucks worth. I couldn’t believe it. If you have an account with them or have a business that you can set one up with I would request a sample.
http://www.eis-inc.com/loctite-game-changer-gc10-solder-paste/default.html
Wow, over a pound of solder paste… you better hope that has a looooooong shelf life.
I don’t have an account with them but submitted a sample request anyway. We’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t mind switching to a lead free paste so long as it isn’t problematic to use, and the no refrigerating is a nice bonus.
I don’t know if this will work or is what you need, but here are some Kester pocket packs 2% silver, for $ 3.29 each.
(posted same on another thread)...
I bought and use this: https://www.all-spec.com/products/KW4415.html, same place I bought my Hakko iron from: http://www.all-spec.com/products/FX-888D.html (latest model).
This solder is 63/37 and was recommended by a "super tech" I work with, 40+ years, highly trained. It's been almost 2 years of using this, and looks hardly touched btw...
The best solder I have ever used was given to me by my friend where he got silver solder from an aerospace company he worked for back in the days. This silver solder had the the best flow I have ever seen.
Tom E wrote:
. . . bought and use this: https://www.all-spec.com/products/KW4415.html, same place I bought my Hakko iron from: http://www.all-spec.com/products/FX-888D.html (latest model).
This solder is 63/37 and was recommended by a "super tech" I work with, 40+ years, highly trained. It's been almost 2 years of using this, and looks hardly touched btw..
That works for me. I have some .031 of that on the way, but I'm concerned it may be fake or something due the price I got from an ebay vendor. If it doesn't work good, I'll order some of the above. Thank you :)
Thats a great price on that kester. 040 is a tad too big though.
Yeah, I had a roll of 4-percent-silver (remainder tin) solder, electrical/rosin type — lead free — used it up.
It was very easy to work with. Bought so long ago I have no idea where it came from.