Build Your Own Clone Message Board

I usually get my solder from radioshack but I'm making an mammoth order and wondering it it's worth it. Has anyone tried their solder and is it a good deal? it's measured in feet rather than ounces.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062725

compared to:

http://www.mammothelectronics.com/Chand ... 01-10f.htm

Yea, I'm wondering about the price. What's 1oz comparted to 10feet?

I've used both and have not seen much difference between the two. I know the Mammoth stuff is supposed to be better, but I don't really notice it. I mean 60/40 is still 60/40 right? I know the rosin may be a bit different, but otherwise it is still 60/40 lead/tin. But then again I am a bass player and don't know s. But I do have way more post than TN, so I must know something right?
-P
Edit, realized I'm an ass. I guess you are looking for Silver Stuff. I know nothing of that.
-P

If anybody wants to do the math, the composition (in weight percent) is given in the Mammoth spec (I rearranged it to make it easier to read).

With the material densities (easily found online (watch units!!!)), you can get the density of the mixture, and from there do a simple geometry calculation to see how long a 1 oz strand of 0.032" dia solder would be. It won't be hard, just annoying algebra.

If I had to SWAG it, you will get more from Rat Shack for the same price.

The Chandler is next for me, i bought a one pound reel when i started, got around 30 pedals, Mods, Cables, Instrument wiring and i would say that i have enough to make another 15-20 pedals and other jobs before it ends!

i've had the same pound for years now. pedals are definitely putting a hurting on it though, i've got a couple weeks left.

I bought a one pound 63/37 that I will probably have to will to someone. I went on Amazon and found multiple sellers. Can't recall who now. But, if you drop a few bucks down now, you'll never have to but it again. I think I got a 1lb Kesters. But then again I only have 25 posts so take it for what it's worth.

I use the Mammoth solder and it's great. melts like butter and is sooo much better than walmart/lowes kind

+1

I like to have a few different guages, just for different projects. I think the biggest difference you might see in the solders is that one may or may not eat your soldering iron as fast, or may gunk up the tip quicker.

I would buy a pound of some quality stuff, and you will have it forever... (unless you make 100's of pedals a year)

John

Oh no you DI-INT! Not only high school algebra but high school chemistry too? That kind of educational talk will get you banned around here!

(plus, you didn't account for the weight of the rosin core)

You know how us engineers roll. Chem and Algebra is child's play

The calculation makes the assumption that the weight of the rosin is << than the weight of the metal. A fair assumption IMO. With Excel (busting out the Comp Sci stuff here ), you could vary the ID the rosin resides in and get a feel for how the ID effects the length. If with a solid cross section, the 1 oz is still longer than 10 feet, then you're done. If not, then you've got some judgements to make.

Or do it the real engineer's way: go to Radio Shack, buy a roll (pay tax but save shipping), unwrap it, and measure it. When you're done using it all up (10 feet won't last long), buy from wherever is cheapest next time.

For the win!

i suppose next an engineer would compare his measured solder to his theoretical calculations in some sort of spreadsheet to determine % difference on "ideal" vs. actual solder. could lead to some interesting theories on production quality and QC standards. or could simply lead to a massive waste of time hey, anything to spend more time in the shop instead of actually practicing guitar (which makes me feel like a real loser)

as for me, I use whatever solder smells the best! I figure if I'm gonna be huffing fumes for an hour at a time, they might as well be pleasant. yeah, I know. dumb.

No, not dumb.


AWESOME!