Interested to know about experiences with hand soldering from people who have done more than just a few joints. Some say the weller WTCP type irons are no good because of temp cycles. What irons are acceptable in your experience? Is SAC solder the way to go? Any rework stories?
I am not worried about compliance yet since our industry is exempt, but component issues will force our hand. I fear from some of the experts I have come accross that they are not so knowledgeable.
slightly higher temp is needed. often looks like a dry joint, as slower to solidify. cleaner component leads required or extra flux needed - rs sells a bottle cheaply. can rework 60/40 ok better for ones health, pb is for mugs
We have gradually been using lead free components for 12 months I'd say as most manufacturers have been changing over in the background. No major quality or process problems with our standard Pb solders and pastes.
We will be going full Pb free on selected customers come July and should be pretty seamless, apart from the mega loads of components we have that are non Pb free left over :(
Adam
You could always hand em out to those of us who dont care. Ahem. :)
You could always start a new surplus component company like Rockby only with more reasonable prices.
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