What type of soldier do I need?

[Jediseth]

What's the best solder I should be getting for putting together my saber. The old stuff I have is crap. I'm sure I need some fine grade solder Thanks!

[minorhero]

I have found that the diameter of the solder is relatively important. You need something small enough not to overwhelm your connections. I use rosin core solder with a diameter of .032

Hopefully that is helpful.

[Jediseth]

Yes, thank you!!

[Silver Serpent]

Agreed. Fine gauge solder is important. I personally find that the 60/40 leaded solder is much easier to work with than the lead-free stuff, especially if you are a novice at soldering.

[GregTheForce]

Agreed. Fine gauge solder is important. I personally find that the 60/40 leaded solder is much easier to work with than the lead-free stuff, especially if you are a novice at soldering.

Well I am new to soldering and I am perfectly fine with lead-free solder... Guess that is personal opinion ;D

[Silver Serpent]

If you've got a cheap iron, it's significantly more difficult to work with the lead-free. With a good soldering iron, it's less noticeable.

I've found that a lot of the newbies will grab the $5-$10 budget iron from Walmart or Radio Shack. Lead-free takes more heat to get it to flow properly, and the budget irons don't get or stay hot enough to make it easy. The leaded solder will work well with the budget irons.

[Jediseth]

I made sure to get an ESD safe one. That way I don't have to buy another. I got the Aoyue 469 seems that people like it.

[Silver Serpent]

That one is quite popular. Much more budget friendly than some other options. I've not heard anything bad about it.

[GregTheForce]

I use the european version of the 469, the Int963... It's about 35€