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

[Thomas Parry]

Thanks for your advice.  I'll order myself some good lead solder and give
it a shot.

Tom

On Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 7:23 PM, Clive Mitchell <bigclive1 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>
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