edzu1234 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 What is the best solder to use for upgrading crossovers? I want something for maximum connectivity and durability and ease of use. Would SILVER be an option? Does anybody have any opinions or practical knowledge on this matter? THANK YOU in advance for your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grendel23 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Cardas Quad Eutectic works very well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I haven't used Cafrdas but have used 63/37 from Kester. A thermostatically controlled iron (Haiko or Weller) really changes the game. There is less chance of overheating the components. WMcD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 1 hour ago, edzu1234 said: maximum connectivity Be sure you make good mechanical connections prior to soldering then. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 1 hour ago, edzu1234 said: What is the best solder to use for upgrading crossovers? I want something for maximum connectivity and durability and ease of use. Would SILVER be an option? Does anybody have any opinions or practical knowledge on this matter? THANK YOU in advance for your thoughts. The eutectic solder would be better for the parts, as the melting/solidifying are the same temp. Silver solder has a higher melting temp, requiring a bit more care to not damage parts. I've been using 2% silver solder for over 30 yrs, as the old company I had worked for used it for all the electronic repairs we made. I've simply become used to it, and I use a temp controlled iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 The 63/37 has the lowest melting point. Consistent with what good Marvel said, it has no slush stage and IIUC that slush is what causes the dreaded cold solder joint. WMcD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroMara Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Due to the ROHS standards in Europe only lead-free solder may be used. The high quality alloys have a silver content of max. 4 %. It is excellent to work with. The solder forms fine pearly drops, so it can be processed very well. Do not forget to use a professional soldering iron Temperature controlled soldering irons - 30 to 60 Watt: Temperature controlled soldering irons have an electronically controlled heating element. It prevents too high temperatures and thus too hot soldering joints. For this reason, these soldering irons are particularly suitable for fine soldering work in the laboratory. Temperature-controlled soldering irons either have a built-in temperature sensor or the electrical resistance of the heating wire is determined to determine the temperature. Disadvantage: Soldering irons with temperature control are relatively expensive. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2546172.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xsilver+solder+4+%.TRS0&_nkw=silver+solder+4+%&_sacat=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 I like silver bearing solder for its higher melting point. I don't want my solder joints softening in the middle of "Sweet Jane". But I did soften (and ruin) (all) 4 subwoofer voice coils on the next song after "Sweet Jane" some years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panelhead Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 I use the 63/37 Kester also. Works very well. Tried lead free for several years, went back to leaded. Too many issues. I like a normal iron. Use one too big. Hit it fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 On 5/13/2020 at 8:19 AM, grendel23 said: Cardas Quad Eutectic works very well. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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