Solder for projects

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BrandonB

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Solder for projects
« on: 4 Jan 2025, 04:38 am »
Is there a specific type of solder to get for speakers and electronics?

Tyson

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #1 on: 4 Jan 2025, 04:59 am »
I like Cardas silver and WBT silver.  Just make sure you get the leaded versions.  The lead free solder is crap, IMO.

nlitworld

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #2 on: 4 Jan 2025, 02:58 pm »
I second the Cardas for almost everything except super tiny surface mount pcb stuff.

jmimac351

Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #3 on: 4 Jan 2025, 03:04 pm »
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« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2025, 07:55 pm by jmimac351 »

BrandonB

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #4 on: 4 Jan 2025, 05:20 pm »
I just put in an order for Cardas.  WOW! that was more than what I thought it would be.  I have some solder that came with my GR kit. Does anyone know how it compares?   I thought I could get started with it but if the quality is a bit different I can wait.

jmimac351

Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #5 on: 4 Jan 2025, 06:02 pm »
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« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2025, 07:55 pm by jmimac351 »

BrandonB

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #6 on: 4 Jan 2025, 07:28 pm »
Not sure how any really compare, but "everyone knows that one is good" and sometimes it's easiest to just "pay for the good stuff and move along".  Plenty of other things to grind brain cells on.  :green:

If someone needs to use that, you're having fun... might as well use the good stuff.  If something isn't right, it won't be because of the solder.  :thumb:
I already ordered the Cardas solder.  My obsessiveness got me thinking if I should just wait a few days and do it all in the Cardas solder.

S Clark

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #7 on: 4 Jan 2025, 08:06 pm »
The Cardas is very forgiving.  If you can wait, why not?

rotarius

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #8 on: 4 Jan 2025, 10:29 pm »
You cannot go wrong with Kester 44, 60/40. 

S Clark

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #9 on: 4 Jan 2025, 11:13 pm »
You cannot go wrong with Kester 44, 60/40.
The Kester is clearly a good standard solder and cheaper. I have a roll.  I'd not be surprised if that was what Danny provided.   In my experience, the Cardas flows better. 

BrandonB

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #10 on: 4 Jan 2025, 11:22 pm »
The Kester is clearly a good standard solder and cheaper. I have a roll.  I'd not be surprised if that was what Danny provided.   In my experience, the Cardas flows better.
I seen the Lester and thought it might even be the same thing.  I went ahead and got a Cardas 1/4lb roll just in case.  I'm just going to wait a few days until it comes in to start.

rotarius

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #11 on: 4 Jan 2025, 11:37 pm »
Brandon, make sure you use liquid or paste flux on the mating parts for proper solder flow and pooling at the connection. 

jmimac351

Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #12 on: 4 Jan 2025, 11:46 pm »
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« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2025, 07:55 pm by jmimac351 »

BrandonB

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #13 on: 5 Jan 2025, 12:16 am »
Brandon, make sure you use liquid or paste flux on the mating parts for proper solder flow and pooling at the connection.
Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.

nlitworld

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #14 on: 5 Jan 2025, 12:28 am »
Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.

Yeah it helps. Mandatory... not entirely but why make an already tedious job harder? Cardas paste Flux works great, or in a pinch even the liquid flux from an auto parts store will work just fine.  :thumb:

jmimac351

Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #15 on: 5 Jan 2025, 12:50 am »
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« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2025, 07:56 pm by jmimac351 »

rotarius

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #16 on: 5 Jan 2025, 01:28 am »
Will I need to use flux while soldering speaker wire with the Cardas solder.
Yes. The flux preps the surfaces for soldering and greatly improves wetting.  No matter what brand of solder you use. 
This is something you can easily see without going into the mechanics of the process.  Try to tin an end of a copper wire without flux, then dip the other end into flux and tin it. 

jmimac351

Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #17 on: 5 Jan 2025, 02:33 am »
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« Last Edit: 5 Dec 2025, 07:56 pm by jmimac351 »

BrandonB

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #18 on: 5 Jan 2025, 10:25 pm »
Thanks everyone for the tips.  I have watched Danny's video several times.  I have ordered the solder and flux just waiting on it to come in to start. 

PumaCat

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Re: Solder for projects
« Reply #19 on: 5 Jan 2025, 10:40 pm »
I like Cardas silver and WBT silver.  Just make sure you get the leaded versions.  The lead free solder is crap, IMO.

Yes, I use Cardas solder, also. Used it when building up my Encores as well as when assembling my Class-A Nelson Pass-designed Amp Camp amps.