Solder Quantity??

[mfryan]

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

 

[2wo]

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 

 

[mcandmar]

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.

 

[mfryan]

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

 

[Adrian]

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.

 

[Deluk]

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"...............

 

[2wo]

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

 

[mfryan]

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

 

[Paul Birkeland]

0.050" diameter solder will work just fine.

 

[Doc B]

I went to Radio Shack

the guy recommended

I think I see the problem.

 

[mfryan]

Lol, thanks Doc.  'Nuff said.  =D