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Thread: lead-free vs leaded solder?

  1. #1

    Default lead-free vs leaded solder?

    Ahoy from Seattle!

    Any preferences between leaded (60/40) vs. lead-free solder?
    I hear leaded solder works better, but haven't looked into it.

    Parents ask that I don't use leaded solder around my students, so I don't, but for my own projects, I was wondering if there's a discernible advantage.

    Thanks!

  2. #2

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    It's all preference really, I use lead free in my engineering classes bc they supply it, but I use leaded at home. I feel like I get better heat transfer and solder flow resulting in nice joints from the leaded flow so thats my go to. But realistically either would be fine

  3. #3
    Sith Warrior darth_chasm's Avatar
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    As mentioned, leaded flows much better and is much easier to work with. If the fumes make you nervous you can get an extractor fan or get creative and make one from a cheap computer case fan and charcoal filter.
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  4. #4

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    Thanks, Light Bringer! I appreciate your advice!
    And please look for a new post from me - soon, I hope - with student questions on wiring strategy ... your input would be invaluable.

  5. #5

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    Thanks, Darth Chasm! Excellent point - the extractor fan is a must.
    And as I mentioned in my post to Light Bringer, please look for a new post from me - soon, I hope - with student questions on wiring strategy ... your input would be invaluable.

  6. #6

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    You’ll find that tin/lead with a little silver will likely work the best. It’s what the pros use. 😉🤫
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  7. #7

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    One problem with tin based solder is whiskers. Over time the solder joints may grow whiskers that can cause shorts if they impinge on a nearby joint. My company has spent years working on processes to reduce the risk in our manufacturing process as we make DAL A aerospace products and have RoHS obligations to meet. For a lightsaber build, the solder joints made by hobby soldering is probably far enough apart to negate the risk, but for very dense SMT boards, this can be a problem.

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