Solder? (not irons!)

[derekjr_1]

Is deans Proflux solder safe to use? Is has all kinds of warnings about the lead, and says it can be harmful if inhaled while soldering! Does anyone use this stuff? I herd it is good for batteries and what not, but should be be concerned about cancer and such? It says california state says it can cause cancer and birth defects. Should I use LEAD FREE solder? What kind should I get say if I go to radioshack or somewhere? I have the deans but I am thinking about returning it. Thank's for any insights and info?

[krayzie]

The Deans solder should be ok to use..any where you get solder it will say that....Also i use solder from radioshack and it works very good..

[This message has been edited by krayzie (edited 02-25-2001).]

[mrfyrehawk]

I wouldn't worry all that much about getting cancer from the solder. Typically you'd have to inhale amounts that are ridiculous to get cancer. It's like Care-Free gum... sacaryn(sp) will indeed casue cancer, but I think I heard that you'd have to chew about 100+ sticks a day. *lol* Personally I just don't like the smell of solder vapors so I keep a small fan going to ventilate. I suppose it keeps me healthier too.
Get the radio shack solder. It's easy to get and mostly it's cheap.

[derekjr_1]

If I go down to Radioshack tomorrow, what solder should I get, Part #, description, just so I know I am gettting the best stuff. What would you recommend?

[Grizzbob]

That's right, all solder has a warning like that. As long as you're careful when using it, it won't do any harm to you.... http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Grizzbob]

Just look for 60/40 Rosin Core solder, that's the standard(it's even what we use at work).... http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[derekjr_1]

Ok so 60/40 sounds cool. Thank's for all the info!

[R/C Homie]

hahahaha i think everything else will kill u or give u cancer or some thing go ahead and use it lol

[Nairb]

The Deans will work great, there's no need to take it back. I just bought another tube of it yesterday...

[derekjr_1]

Nairb > Do I need to use flux with the deans when soldering battery connections, I though I read somewhere (???) that you don't have to because it allready has flux in it. Do I just use the solder and nothing else? I have never used this Deans stuff and I used to allways have to use external flux? Any info.. Check the regional board also.

[Nairb]

Dude, I have NEVER used extra flux when soldering anything. I've always used Deans solder. It has a rosin flux core all through the slolder and it always works for me. You'll have no problem with it. Don't waste your time taking it back.

[B3 Bomb]

I use acer racing www.acerracing.com (http://www.acerracing.com) silver solder. You cannot get cancer from it because it is 92%tin and 8% silver. The deans is the same way just less silver.

[prime]

Use extra flux when the application calls for it. For instance, if you are tinning wires use extra flux for good penetration. If you are soldering wires to a motor then you don't/shouldn't use extra flux.

My rule of thumb is use extra flux for wires and braid and use no extra flux for flat surface soldering.

[This message has been edited by prime (edited 02-26-2001).]

[J mAn]

I use the radio shack silver solder. It is called silver bearing solder. It has a hogh melting point so it is much stronger than rossin core. The part number is 64-025. It is also lead-free

[JP]

Alright, as my screen name on aol says "slotcars..." I took up slot cars when I broke my arm (got sick of taping the controller to be able to hold it). Soldering was everything, and if you didnt solder well, you didnt win. Everything has to be precise and perfect, and that has REALLY benifited my R/C experience to always use flux, and never use rosin core. I have NEVER had a sodlering job break in R/C or slot cars in the past year. I only buy solid 60/40 solder, and buy external flux. Its not safe to breath, but it helps the solder flow smoothly, which makes a good connection. Radio Shack has good solder, but not the rosin core. Go to Home depot or menards and look in the plumbers section for solder, they sell it in rolls, very useful. BTW, rosin core doesnt work that well, I hate it, it always cracks...

[JP]

Have you ever soldered before TRAXXAS? Apparently not, cause solder isnt anything if it doesnt work or hold.

[foo]

Yeah, not all solder is equal..

But, then again, I've never used external flux and I've never had a solder joint break.
But JP, it looks you and I have a difference of opinion on the acid flux thing. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/tongue.gif
I still don't think it's a good idea in electronics work..

[prime]

I'm pro acid flux over rosin. You shouldn't use it for everything though because it can be corrosive. I wouldn't dare use it on my motor tabs but it works magic in braids and wires.

If you do descide to use it, be sure and clean the area around the solder joint after it cools. Also be carefull not to breath in the vapor (as JP warned) and wash your hands afterwards.

[TRAXXAS]

SOLDER IS SOLDER...IT WILL WORK, NUMBNUTS http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/confused.gif<Splat

[This message has been edited by TRAXXAS (edited 02-27-2001).]

[J mAn]

I definetly would use silver solder over rossin core. I have never used acid flux solder for electronics, I thought it was only for pipes. Or is that lead acid solder? is there a difference?

[Mark Wylam]

Scrap the leaded solder. Lead is poisonous to us humans, causes birth defects, impairs brain activity. Parts per million can have an effect. Why risk it when a safe alternative is available. Always use a water soluble flux when doing a metal to metal connection, rosin core is for circuit boards.