Solder Quantity??

mfryan · 8650

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Offline mfryan

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on: January 04, 2017, 10:56:10 AM
Hey All,

    I'm a first time Crack builder... I've been searching a bit into soldering iron and different types of solder, but the one question that I have that I haven't found an answer to on these forums is a ball park idea of *how much* solder I'll need for the project (Crack 1.1).  1lb?  Less? 

Thanks in advance!

-Matt

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Offline 2wo

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Reply #1 on: January 04, 2017, 11:17:29 AM
You don't need too much. Most places sell an ounce or so in a little tube that's meant to be thrown in a tool box. I would stay away from the lead free stuff...John   

John S.


Offline mcandmar

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Reply #2 on: January 04, 2017, 11:50:34 AM
1lb would probably last most people a lifetime. A lot of ebay sellers sell solder in 3meter lengths which would be more than enough for a few projects.

M.McCandless


Offline mfryan

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Reply #3 on: January 04, 2017, 11:52:40 AM
Great, thanks guys!  Yeah I saw several people recommending to stay away from the lead free stuff.  I was planning on getting a rosin-core 63/37 tin/lead solder from Radio Shack.  It's $8.49 for a 1.5 oz spool.  I was just concerned that 1.5 oz might not be enough because I saw another first-timer write here that he bought a full pound of solder. 
     I realize, of course, that more wouldn't hurt if you'll be using it for other stuff.  But I've never done any electronic work before and don't know that I ever will again.  Though I must say, the project sounded a lot more intimidating than it actually is.  I can't believe how fast and straightforward it all is.  I thought it would be a few days before I would get to the soldering part and now the project is on hold because I don't have the soldering iron or solder.  (I just ordered a 40 W Hakko 508-1/P Solder Iron for $24 on Amazon.)

Thanks again!

-Matt

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Offline Adrian

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Reply #4 on: January 04, 2017, 02:16:39 PM
I bought 1 lb. of eutectic 63/37 solder about 5 years ago and have built 6 amplifiers, 3 nixie tube clocks, and made numerous mods and still have >80% of it left.
Seriously, it takes very, very little solder.
IMHO, 63/37 solder is a very good solder to have.

Adrian C.

VPI Prime w/Ortofon Quintet Black MC/Rothwell MCL Lundahl SUT/EROS/Submissive (3 output mod)/Mainline/Crack - Speedball/S.E.X. 2.1 - C4S/S.E.X. 3.0 - C4S/Paramounts - Blumenstein 2.2 Mini-Max w/DOF mod -Senn HD600/Viso HP50/Focal Elear.


Offline Deluk

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Reply #5 on: January 05, 2017, 02:50:11 AM
I like Cardas solder. Flows easily and cleanly. A 10 foot length from eBay will do a Crack with leftovers. Don't over solder, it's a "glue" not a filler. Yes I know it's not actually "glue"...............



Offline 2wo

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Reply #6 on: January 05, 2017, 04:59:13 PM
That 1.5 Oz from RS, is perfect and more than enough for a few projects. didn't want to confuse the issue with 37/63 but it is my choice ...John

John S.


Offline mfryan

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Reply #7 on: January 06, 2017, 12:58:05 PM
So I went to Radio Shack and got the 1.5 oz 63/37 rosin-core solder.  Now I have another issue... the solder is .050" diameter and the guy reccomended I use a solder with a smaller diameter.  Fair enough, the smaller solder is .015" diameter, but has a composition of 62/36/2 (with 2% silver).  Now I know the manual says it's "OK" to use 2% silver solder, but any recommendations between the two taking into account the diameter and the composition between the two?

(BTW, it seems obvious that the .015" 2% silver solder is intended for electronics given where it was at Radio Shack, but no where on the spool does it say "rosin-core" like the other does.  Should I be concerned about this?)

Thanks again for all the help!  You guys are great!

Cheers,
Matt


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Offline Paul Birkeland

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Reply #8 on: January 06, 2017, 12:58:44 PM
0.050" diameter solder will work just fine.

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline Doc B.

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Reply #9 on: January 06, 2017, 01:05:50 PM
Quote
I went to Radio Shack
Quote
the guy recommended

I think I see the problem.

Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President For Life
Bottlehead Corp.


Offline mfryan

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Reply #10 on: January 06, 2017, 05:12:41 PM
Lol, thanks Doc.  'Nuff said.  =D

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