Silver solder

[DannyG]

Can someone tell me if it's OK to use silver solder on a crossover?

[manu et deo]

Re: Silver solder

As in electronic silver solder? i don't see why not.

As in plumbing silver solder? going to melt everything before you get it to flow:D

As in brazing silver solder? really going to torch it all:D

All kidding aside, i'm sure the kind your referring to is fine.

[DannyG]

Re: Silver solder

Thanks I guess I should have read the fine print first.It does say electrical solder.

[evilskillit]

Re: Silver solder

Compared to regular rosin core solder electronic silver solder is a pain in the rear to work with. It's got a higher melting point and it doesn't have any / enough flux in it so getting it to wet to things is obnoxious. I bought some a long time ago and used some of it just today. It works but the regular cheap stuff is way easier to use if you can get some.

[henry218]

Re: Silver solder

Compared to regular rosin core solder electronic silver solder is a pain in the rear to work with. It's got a higher melting point and it doesn't have any / enough flux in it so getting it to wet to things is obnoxious. I bought some a long time ago and used some of it just today. It works but the regular cheap stuff is way easier to use if you can get some.

i totally agree, bought some mundorf silver solder, PITA to use :D

[violaplayer]

Re: Silver solder

I've found it usually requires application of liquid rosin flux before making a connection. I think Kester makes a flux pen that can be helpful as well.

[Tom.Terrific]

Re: Silver solder

Hi Danny,

Yeah, I use WBT silver solder. http://www.parts-express.com/wbt-080...-8-lb--093-586 It melts at 180 degrees C, and flows really well. I use this solder with a Weller 25W iron and get great results. Of course it's also another of those exotic / controversial items (like oxygen free copper wire) that some DIY Audio enthusiasts use, so be prepared for that... ;) I'm sure I could get comparable results with conventional rosin core solder. But it's your choice. Do what makes you feel good.

[Face]

Re: Silver solder

I agree that WBT flows very well. It must be Radio Shack's solder giving silver a bad name.

[Whitneyville1]

Re: Silver solder

Flux, flux, flux! None of the lead-free solders I've tried have nearly enough IN them to be effective alone. With a fluxing pen (as mentioned) or liquid or paste flux, being prepared to deal with the higher melting and flow temperatures of lead-free solders (heat sinks for heat sensitive parts are needed, like NPN capacitors), they "work", but be prepared for a higher number of "cold" solder joints until your technique is perfect. If you overheat the tin and oxidize it, it will form tiny specks of black "dross", and it needs to all be removed and a fresh start made. Lead-free "tinning" is fussy at best. The best fluxes will choke you thru a gas mask. Stick with name brand lead-free solders. Kester brand with a water-soluble wash-off flux (it MUST be scrubbed with warm water after use to remove all traces of the flux) is one of the best I've used as far as making good bonds.

[Tom.Terrific]

Re: Silver solder

I'm not touting lead free solders. While I've tried a couple, I found the process fussy and results frustrating at best.

The WBT Silver Solder (0800) I referenced above IS NOT lead free. It's silver containing, lead based. http://www.wbtusa.com/pages/0800.html

[DannyG]

Re: Silver solder

Someone gave me the solder(two tubes)long ago.It say's silver bearing rosin core solder 96/4 lead free,have'nt tried to use any yet.Is this differant than regular electronic solder?If so I might not use it.

[Dirttracker73]

Re: Silver solder

Can't say what your solder is, but the Dayton Audio silver solder works quite well and is similar (96% tin / 4% silver). Definitely give it a try.

[Whitneyville1]

Re: Silver solder

If it's old, (more than a couple of years) the flux may no longer be active enough to work well. Test it on some solid copper wires (tin them, of course) first. If it doesn't "tin" the bright copper wire well, toss it and save yourself the grief. When I was working for the fish finder corp, we got a bad lot of lead-free in and went CRAZY until we figured it out. This was in an automated "wave" soldering machine too. Life is too short to save $5 on.

[DannyG]

Re: Silver solder

Thanks I think I'll go buy some other solder at the Shack.

[Face]

Re: Silver solder

Thanks I think I'll go buy some other solder at the Shack.

What's wrong with the Kester solder at Parts Express?