On Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM, Doc Shipley <doc at mdrconsult.com> wrote:
I highly
recommend 63/37 over 60/40. I find it easer to work with.
I had the dubious distinction of being a "Certified Solder Operator" for
TI's Lubbock, TX plant (in, what, '82?). Although the training I got there
spoiled me forever in some ways, it's been invaluable over the years.
Neat. I never had formal training - just practical tips and
experience. Oh, wait... I _did_ get one training course - on how to
do SMT benchwork when I was at Lucent... I worked on the plant floor
for a couple of weeks.
One of the things that stuck was the "true
purpose" of eutectic solder. We
always used 60/40 for original or initial soldering, and eutectic for
repairs or "oversolders". If you have a good iron and a good eye (or, these
days, good Optivisor), the flow-point difference allows doing new work
without disturbing old joints.
Ah! I get it. Interesting.
None of the stuff I've done was that finicky, but it's good to know.
-ethan