Hi,
Many years ago, I made what I *though* would have been my "last buy" of solder wire. Apparently, my estimated usage was off -- or, I have lived too long. :< Either way, I find myself having to repeat this exercise... (the real problem is that I have been using too much of it for "bigger jobs" instead of prototype fabrication, touch up/rework, etc.)
[Note I am not worried about solder *paste* -- I buy that as needed]I figure I will need enough for ~500 (smallish) prototypes (several square inches of PCB, components both sides) plus miscellaneous wiring, cables, etc.
And, the sorts of things anyone "electrically/electronically inclined" encounters in day-to-day living (repairing appliances, TVs, etc.)
In addition to 0.028" and 0.015" 60/40 wire, recent experience suggests I purchase some larger diameter (0.062"?) for those uses that eat gobs of wire per connection (i.e., when you'd be feeding half a foot just for *one* connection!)
Suggestions as to how much of which sizes? And, is this truly a commodity product (cost being the only issue) or are there vendors to avoid/favor? (I've tended towards kester over the years -- but for no "real reason")
Digikey? Or, "anyplace local" (taxes vs. shipping fees)? Figure ~$30-40/pound for anything "non-esoteric"?
Thx,
--don