[ELECTRON] Maklab Shopping List... Help needed....

[Clive Mitchell]

On 5 February 2012 18:03, Thomas Parry <yrrapt at gmail.com> wrote:
> Would you say that if a modern lead based and lead free solder was used in
> matching circuits by a competent solderer and qualitatively compared that
> there would be much difference in the final outcome?  And would you say the
> lead vs lead free debate is as relevant in solder paster for SMD components
> or is it mainly a through hole debate?

If you look at older PCBs you'll notice that the solder is very smooth
and shiny as opposed to the matt look of most lead free solders.  The
lead solder provided much better wetting of the component leads and
pads, and ultimately provided a stronger and more consistent joint.
In the early days of lead free (not that long ago) there was a
staggering failure rate of electronic assemblies due to the
inadequacies of lead free solder and difficult transition on soldering
equipment.

I'm guessing you may use lead free solder because that's all that
Maplin stock.  Being Maplin it's most likely the cheapest most
inferior solder they could get their hands on too.  (Maplin are a
shadow of their former glory).

To put it bluntly, lead free solder is like alcohol free beer.
Usable, but disappointing and strangely pointless.

Treat yourself to some lead based solder and try it out to see what I
mean.  If you've mastered lead free then lead based will be a joy to
use.



-- 
Clive Mitchell