I generally use 60/40 solder and it works well for me. Can anyone tell me about 50/50 and 63/37 Solder. When would you use them? I was given some solder and it is unlabeled. I am sure it is not 60/40. It sets up fast and gives a textured look which I don't care for.
50/50 has a slightly higher melting temp than 60/40, which has a slightly higher melting temp than 63/37. Without the information right in front of me I would not want to quote exact temps, but it is in the area of 50-75 deg difference between them, and what is relative to their characteristics is the "pastie range" or range at which it is still fluid, hence it's ability to "flow out". go the other direction from melting temp where 63/37 stops moving when the heat is removed, 80/40 is a little forgiving and 50/50 flows out and remains fluid the longest, but that is a relative term. 60/40 is the most commonly used solder for general purposes in use and price.
the stuff you were given? could be 40/60, sets up fast, usually used in the electronics field, or auto radiators, flows better with a torch than an iron, except for small spot soldering. Pain to use for our type of work...
You're doing the right thing.... all the technical stuff is BS anyway. The only thing that matters is what looks and works the best for you. I start my students off with a $2 glasscutter & 50-50 solder, so they'll appreciate the difference when we use a carbide cutter, and 60-40 solder for their real project. As a retailer I stock both at all times. Some oldtimers insist on using 50-50 and cannot be budged.
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.