On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 16:20:40 -0000, "Frank Dinger"
wrote:

Even if you used lead free solder, you would not be lead free. After
all, your component leads and your printed circuit boards use tin/lead
solder to insure solderability. Until all of the components are lead
free, you will be chasing smoke. this is especially true when repairing
old electronics.

If you use a non-lead solder with leaded components, you will most
likely creat brittle intermetallics which will greatly reduce the

A few years ago, I worked in a lab where we evaluated various solders
for our customers. Things may have changed since then, but believe me,
you don't want to do it yet.
====================================
Considering the above , I shall stock up with solder currently available eg
with lead.
Even when it is stated (in another message earlier in this thread) that only
'fresh' rosin core solder will give the best results.

Frank GM0CSZ /KN6WH located in EU

I would agree.

Just like with house painting, using oil-based over oil-based paint,
and latex over latex paint, you really don't want to mix.

Although the metallurgy of mixing different solders could be
fascinating, the performance might not be, especially in harsh
environments (temp cycles or physical roughness).

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom