Solder/Soldering iron advice. Please help.

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a solder for our hobby in general, connecting leads, etc. Is there any specific solder I should be using (lead-free, acid core, etc.) or additional flux I need for this job?

As well, what kinds of soldering iron you do guys recommend (in terms of power, size)?

I just bought a silver bearing, acid-core solder. Is this safe for our hobby? Do I need additional flux?

Please enlighten me.

Thanks so much,
Ryan

I just use rosin-core 60/40 solder and a 40W pencil soldering iron. Works for me. I also have a little tub of flux that is decent. Really, as long as you are quick and safe, most solder and flux should be fine.

Do I even need flux? The solder itself should have enough flux in its core right?

Flux is really only necessary for soldering LD pins, oxidized parts, or very small things that are heat sensitive. The rest you can get away with a good rosin core solder. DO NOT try to solder a LD without flux though, there's no way you'll get the joint soldered in the 1.5sec maximum you have. Oh and avoid acidic/plumbing fluxes, the're a no no.

Yeah, too much flux is never a bad thing.