Is this solder OK?

Lomo

New member
Lead free rosin core, 95% tin, 5% antimony.

Is this kind good for guitar electronics? I've heard "the more tin the better", but 95% seems like a lot more than people usually use.
 
Re: Is this solder OK?

Last I checked I was using a 60/40 Rosin core. (it's been several years since I soldered anything
 
Re: Is this solder OK?

bbking1021 said:
also if you can find it 63/37 works well too. There's no "plastic" state for the rosin.

There are two benefits to 63/37 (eutectic) solder:
As bbking1021 stated, eutectic solder does not go through a ‘plastic’ or semi-solid state as it cools. Above 361 degrees it’s a liquid and below 361 it’s a solid.
Less chance of cold solder joints caused by movement during cooling.

The other benefit of eutectic solder is the melting point. 95/5 tin antimony solder melts between 450 and 464 degrees. That’s 89 to 103 degrees hotter than necessary to make a good connection. (more heat = more damage).
 
Re: Is this solder OK?

What about Silver Solder. Is that good to use? Someone on this forum who I value his opinion, suggested silver solder. Any thought s on that?
 
Re: Is this solder OK?

Faraday said:
What about Silver Solder.

I strongly advise against using silver solder in guitar work. It has no benefit. Silver is added to solder to increase its melting point, for use in high temperature areas, like around jet engines. Thats its only function. Its the last thing you want when trying to solder to the back of a pot, that was never designed to be soldered to in the first place.

The fact that silver has a lower resistance than other metals is completely inconsequential in the amount that its used. As I've said before . . . we put the space shuttle together with 63/37. ;)
 
Re: Is this solder OK?

In addition to what Artie said, silver solder also releases silver oxide fumes which will cause asphixiation (suffocation) and kill you much quicker than lead solder will. Stick to the rosin solder. I wouldn't breathe too many of those fumes, either, but their safer than the ones from silver solder.
 
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