> -----Original Message----- > From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-boun...@classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Paul Koning > Sent: 01 August 2015 22:39 > To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts > Subject: Re: This Hobby Is Actually Useful! > > > > On Aug 1, 2015, at 5:24 PM, Robert Jarratt <robert.jarr...@ntlworld.com> > wrote: > > > > PS A related question. I struggled somewhat with the Weller Magnastat > > No. 8 tip, when trying to solder leads to the ground plane, I could > > not get the solder to stay molten very long. I was using lead-free > > solder, its melting point is much lower than the temperature which a > > No. 8 tip reaches. The iron is 50W. Clearly the ground plane was > > taking heat away, but is it a problem with the tip not being hot > > enough, the iron not powerful enough, or perhaps some operator error? > > Politically correct solder is harder to use and has a higher melting point. I > asked one of the professionals at the office about it; her answer was to > avoid it > unless it was required for the job. In other words, for hobby use and for > anything else that isn’t sold, stay away from it. Modern components are > perfectly happy being soldered with real solder, even though they are made > lead-free. > > I followed that advice and was very happy with the outcome. > > Meanwhile, 50 watts isn’t all that much when you have a major heat sink. A > ground plane may be enough to give you trouble, but I suspect it’s the use of > lead free solder that’s the real issue.
I did consider using leaded solder. I used lead-free because it is a more modern piece of equipment probably made with lead-free solder, but that was probably misguided. I made the repair anyway, but next time I will try using leaded. Thanks Rob