[andrzejpw]

I'll FINALLY be starting my meta42 next week. I've got a question about the solder to use:

Any help on choosing some? What ratios should I be looking for?

I have some 60 tin / 40 lead. Will that be ok? It seems like it doesn't like melting too easily.

Any suggestions? Can I get it at radioshack?

 

[eric343]

Go by DigiKey and pick up some Kester "44" solder, or get some Wonder Solder or Cardas Quad Eutectic from Welborne Labs.

Also, because both the above solders and your 60/40 have lead, always wash your hands with soap immediately after leaving your workshop, and before touching anything else.

Lead poisoning is not a good thing.

 

[andrzejpw]

so you're saying I should stop sucking each finger after I finish soldering?

Does radioshack have anything? I mean, I have all of my parts from mouser, and I'm ready to go.

 

[eric343]

Their solder varies VERY VERY widely in quality, even (especially!) among the same model/type. Some of it's very good, some of it sucks. It's essentially playing "solder lottery". Just buy yourself a pound of Kester from DigiKey; until it arrives, if you're feeling impatient, get yourself a small tube of solder from Rat Shock. Make sure to get 63/37!!!

 

[puppyslugg]

Rat Shack used to have silver bearing solder that wasn't too bad. I used some ages ago.

 

[Ctn]

They still have it...atleast Tandy has