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QDrives , 10-06-2024, 06:46 PM

I see. Yes it is a big tip. 5mm?
However, it is **not** too big to solder the headers **if** you have the skill and correct solder.
The photo of the solder does not show any manufacturer or type number.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 03:16 AM

Ohh sorry about that..I had put away the solder wrapping which shows the manufacturer,grade,gauge etc. Sending it now👇

Robert Feranec , 10-07-2024, 04:30 PM

This will help you - here I show what I use when soldering. You need also flux, braid and cleaner ... these are essential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWIzhbQaZZk&t=28523s

Robert Feranec , 10-07-2024, 04:31 PM

this may help you too https://youtu.be/9jpotpIO1-U

NirK , 10-07-2024, 04:57 PM

@Robert Feranec By Braid you mean the de-soldering wick/wire right? ...and in this video you are using an 'MG Chemicals 8341 No clean Flux Paste With Syringe' which is a bit expensive..I'm considering buying a flux paste from a local trusted brand in India...And lastly, do you have any guide on how to do Soldering of a tiny SMD Capacitor that I accidentally lifted off the PCB while Soldering with my present big-tip soldering iron(I have ordered a new one by Noel-60 Watt with a pointed tip)This is the SMD Capacitor I removed by mistake👇

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 07:41 PM

You do not need much flux.
With good solder **and** technique, you do not need (additional) flux at all.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 08:23 PM

Hmm.. @QDrives
a)How can we Develop this Good Technique?

b)What would be a good solder?One with a higher lead content,maybe?

Mini , 10-07-2024, 08:26 PM

Just adding my opinion.

Mini , 10-07-2024, 08:27 PM

a) good technique is achieved with practise - like anything in life

Mini , 10-07-2024, 08:27 PM

b) 67/37 is the best leaded solder I would say. when you use leaded solder already you are fine. Having flux in core helps, but you can use external flux yourself.

Mini , 10-07-2024, 08:28 PM

Just buy a decent iron- this one is garbage and makes your life horrible.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 08:41 PM

Thanks @Mini ..So now I know I don't need to buy new solder-63/37 is also good to go and as for the Iron-yeah,I nearly faint when I see the Tip-size of my present one!Just ordered another one-One Noel 60 Watt with a pointed tip

Mini , 10-07-2024, 08:52 PM

I have had this. It is garbage as well. Buy T12 type or JBC clone or something like that. There are many decent options. Also chinese tips are all garbage. With JBC clone you can buy original JBC tips and use them. With T12 Hakko tips. Anyway that was my advice.

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 08:52 PM

"How can we Develop this Good Technique?" -- Practice, practice and practice. But somebody helping with tip can be huge.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 08:56 PM

Hmm..gotta get some Perfboards, male header-pins and practice a lot on that..By the way @QDrives,what do You think of the Noel 60Watt Iron as in the image I sent above?Is it okay?

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 08:58 PM

My 2 preferred solder types are:
Loctite 502. For new components on the board. Not for rework, nor for wires. https://nl.farnell.com/en-NL/multicore-loctite/5029075-m/solder-wire-lead-free-0-7mm-500g/dp/5091070
Loctite 309. This can be used for wires. https://nl.farnell.com/en-NL/multicore-loctite/3099075-m/solder-wire-lead-free-0-7mm-500g/dp/5090910

With the Loctite 502 there is less need to clean. 309 needs cleaning.

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 08:59 PM

And do note: both are **lead free**. I do not solder using lead.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 09:03 PM

@Mini and @QDrives,the problem with your recommendations are a)Availability in My Country..No Trusted site like Amazon,Robu or Robocraze are selling these

b)They are Very Very Expensive.. Especially that JBC iron and T12 Also..😞

NirK , 10-07-2024, 09:05 PM

This Loctite one is Hell of an Expensive one..nearly 10,000 Indian Rupees😢

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 09:06 PM

I have seen your complaint about the cost of flux. So I am not the right person to tell you which soldering iron to get.
I have the Ersa iCon 1V soldering station. I have worked with JBC and Weller. Cannot say I prefer one over the other. But a good one will cost you.
How often do you solder? What do you solder?
If you want a cheap start... can't you buy another tip for you current iron?

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 09:08 PM

Do note that it is 500g versus the one you had of 50g. So 10x the amount.
You can try many others, but so note: it is trying.
If you buy the Loctite 500 solder, it will not be better than the solder you have now. Even the 502 requires you to have a good technique. 309 is the easiest, but leaves a brown residue that needs cleaning.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 09:12 PM

@QDrives I am a complete beginner to soldering...But now accidentally,I have Driven myself to a situation where I need to have some Advanced skill/practice/technique to Correct my mistakes.. It's like a sudden jump to the middle-deep end of the Ocean I think..And as you say,I have tried searching for the tip suitable for my present Soldron 50 Watt Iron..But in their website, Only the 25Watt Tip is available..

NirK , 10-07-2024, 09:15 PM

Yeah..I understand.. Soldering Technique is All..I'll just use my current solder and instead focus on practicing more Soldering header pins on Perfboards to improve my Technique

QDrives , 10-07-2024, 09:21 PM

Added flux is the solution for your current problem. I see that flux can be bought for €7 versus €70 for a solder reel.
I have been soldering for 25 years, most of which lead free (about 20 years).
Rarely do I use (additional) flux. Only in difficult rework situations. But yes, I had plenty material to test with.

NirK , 10-07-2024, 09:25 PM

Hmm..Thank You very much for your help and suggestions @QDrives!I will buy a good-quality flux as you said,and start practicing as soon as I get my new Iron.😃

Mini , 10-08-2024, 01:10 PM

Technique is not all. You really do need decent soldering iron. Yes you need technique too, but this iron is garbage.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 01:11 PM

And of course flux.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 01:13 PM

What is your budget? I meant JBC clone like many people use chinese brand called Aixun. Not real JBC. Search aliexpress, you can find usable irons from there. Since you haven't mentioned your budget I have no clue. And if you can't pay like 40 euros or so for iron then I don't know what to suggest.

QDrives , 10-08-2024, 07:26 PM

With good skill (technique) even this solder iron can be used to create decent connections.
If you are advising to use leaded solder, it shows you do not have the skills good enough.
How do you think they made solder connections 50 years ago?

Mini , 10-08-2024, 08:08 PM

I have enough experience with both since it has been my part of job(I have worked at EMS, but I don't really want to discuss it any further here). Anyway why bother saying it is ok to solder with this piece of crap. It's like driving car from 1900-s. Yes you can move with that piece, but it's not an experience you want to have especially as a beginner. I have had these chinese irons - its pure garbage. These tips are pure garbage. And of course I'm suggesting to use leaded solder. There is no reason not to. You are free to use lead free if you want. I would never suggest beginner lead free. You are starting new experience with hardest possible method. It's like you want to learn to write before you can read. It makes no sense. Besides leaded solder is much more durable in any way.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 08:09 PM

Btw 50 years ago everyone was using lead free I assume? 😉

QDrives , 10-08-2024, 10:02 PM

"*And of course I'm suggesting to use leaded solder. There is no reason not to.*" -- Of course there is a reason, the original reason to go to lead free -> prevent lead from getting into the waste stream.
"*You are starting new experience with hardest possible method.*" -- No so. Low/none flux content leaded solder will be much more difficult than 309 lead free.
"* It's like you want to learn to write before you can read.*" -- Wrong comparison. It is like saying you can only learn to swim the in baby pool and not the 'deep end'. Starting in the baby pool is not for the fear parents have than the actual learning.
"*Besides leaded solder is much more durable in any way.*" -- Nope. Current lead free (ie SAC305) has shown to be very reliable.
"*Btw 50 years ago everyone was using lead free I assume?*" -- No, lead poisoning. Besides that, big soldering guns (you know with the bend wire - https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABkniUGZcfo/Xc7xrl8odZI/AAAAAAAAwgY/LROhTpu0QHUip5iPFpUS9wl-LgH9fmr9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mod%2BIMG_7536.jpg). And the solder used by @NirK is leaded and contains flux.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:11 PM

I know this soldering iron it is really nice. I still have too. I would say this one is better than this chinese crap really. And yes my first one was from AC as well without adjustable heating control.

I haven't personally seen any leaded solder without flux. I'm sure there are, but any decent solder has few % flux in it. I haven't checked OP one, but I take your word for it. If it has flux I would say it is fine to use that solder. And it is 63/37 leaded solder which means it is totally fine for a beginner. The best I would say.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:15 PM

Lead vs lead-free topic is hot topic across internet. Many people talking about lead poisoning and so on. It's endless topic. Truth is you don't get lead poisioning like most people think. Unless you eat and don't wash your hands. Then you can get poisoning. People think like lead evaporates and they inhale it. The fumes you see are from flux. Also lead-free has flux and usually a lot more which I'm sure is not good for your health. So I would suggest not to inhale any solder. But it is different topic.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:17 PM

Btw when we were soldering with leaded while I worked at EMS we had to take yearly blood test. Our lead levels are measured and we had no problems. If you are worried you can take blood tests regulary. And look at change.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:18 PM

I think Fran had one very good video about lead poisoning.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:18 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1g_t8p0Hk0

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:25 PM

When it comes to lead vs lead free properties it is public knowledge that lead free has lot's of problems. You can google lead vs lead free or read papers about it etc. Since you have to cook your board much higher temperature in the oven or use higher temp on your iron alone makes it worse. Less heat the better obviously. Leaded solder sucks especially in time. Even if you manage to get it right first time. Why graphics hard and many chips that run hot long time need reballing? 😉 We had burn in tests in production and we had testing devices with lead-free and leaded and I can tell that leaded solder will last like 10 years easily. Lead-free lots of problems in time. There are many more reasons. You are free to google.

Mini , 10-08-2024, 10:25 PM

And in space you can't use lead free solder for a reason 😉

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 08:02 PM

"*You can google lead vs lead free or read papers about it etc.*" -- And (just about) all of them predate 2006 when the first RoHS became mandatory. At that time there were multiple lead free alloys and not all of them a success. Today, almost 20 years later, the better ones remain. Also the process itself needed fine tuning.
"*...and I can tell that leaded solder will last like 10 years easily. Lead-free lots of problems in time.*" -- I have not received any problem on products that are used > 10 years with lead free. Yes, we switched to lead free around 2006 too, even though our products were excluded at the time (industrial controls). Most of out products are used for long times.
Space, military and medical are excluded for RoHS. However, even medical is going there as the components are lead free anyway.

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 08:03 PM

And my comment was on the waste stream not so much (direct) lead poisoning as that is the indirect consequence from the waste stream.

Mini , 10-09-2024, 08:33 PM

Well I could argue with that. There can be better or worse. First of all you still need to cook your boards higher temperature. Second lead-free isn't that flexible so mechanical stress will have bigger impact. There isn't probably statistics about devices that have failed due to lead free. I have experienced twice GPU failure due to lead free probably, reballing helped. The problem is hot and cold cycles. In production we had even leaded solder failing like 15 years later I think. Testing devices that went into burn in test. It's good if you haven't had problems, but you would probably not even know even if products were failing due to it. Since there is no statistics it's hard to tell do we really save environment. If your products will fail due to lead-free it's waste as well. I would say when space will start to use lead-free you could have bigger trust into it.

I personally think environment concerns are not so big problem. Since we have millions time more ways we pollute environment. Our devices will last few years only, we waste everywhere. It's consuming mindset. The reason why lead was topic in the past was because in past fuel companies started to add lead into fuel. And as you know america had a big lead poisoning due to it. So nowdays everyone is probably so scared about it especially if they are american.

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 08:46 PM

Lead-free is EU, China and California. US in general does not have it.
There are many more changes in GPU today compared to 20 years ago when they were soldered with lead that I cannot accept needing to reball 2 counts as a problems caused by lead-free. Read upon CSP (chip scale package) and the problems they face. Leaded or lead free does not matter.

Mini , 10-09-2024, 08:53 PM

Indeed I can't tell 100% about GPU since you do heat whole board etc. It was just a example. But it is very likely. Anyway I wouldn't be so worried about using lead in the products. Less heat less risk to the products.

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 09:04 PM

In a place where I work now they also use leaded solder. Temperature iron is set to 340°C. That is the same temperature I use for lead free. So no, no less risk in temperature there.
With an EMS it is a different story.

However, if you do not want to increase the temperature, you can go lead free low melting point solder too. It is even lower than needed for leaded.

Mini , 10-09-2024, 09:11 PM

To my knowledge low melting solder is very weak. It is used to melt components easily off board. I know some melt like around 120 degrees. Not sure which you mean, but I'm sure there's some downsides otherwise everyone would be using it. At EMS nobody used any low melt solder.

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 09:15 PM

So what do you want? High melt point? Low melt point?
What makes leaded the 'perfect' melting point?
Do note that there is also a high melt point leaded solder alloy.

Mini , 10-09-2024, 09:17 PM

It's not about only melting temperature. It's about all the properties. Mechanical strength/flexibility. Ability to stand heat and cold cycles and so on. That what you want from solder. I'm totally fine with leaded solder properties.

QDrives , 10-09-2024, 09:27 PM

And I am totally fine with lead free solder properties. Temperature cycles and long lifetime for my products.

Mini , 10-09-2024, 09:48 PM

And it is totally fine.