Compare 60/40 vs Lead-Free Solder Stained Glass Soldering

Today, we are comparing soldering iron temperature for 60/40 and Lead-Free solder. When I started to use Lead-Free solder for Jewellery making using Stained Glass Tiffany method, I noticed that it doesn’t melt at the same temperature as 60/40, I couldn’t get much information from researching online or talking to supplier. I hope this information helps you choose right materials with your future projects.
Soldering Iron: Hakko FX-600
Soldering Iron tip: T18-DL32
60/40 Solder and Lead-Free Solder: CAgroup

[@Funky_Fractals]

Lead-free solder works a lot better with a paste flux instead of the gel flux you would normally use for leaded solder! I use Nokorode paste flux and it helps the solder flow/melt much easier. It also doesn't burn as easily as the gel which is great for the higher temps you need.

[@funnygaming2672]

im going to get that paste flux! thank you for dropping some recommendation

[@venessa484]

THANK YOU! This is so helpful!

[@John-gm8ty]

"The two most commonly used types of lead-free solder are SnAgCu (tin-silver-copper, also called SAC) and SnCu (tin-copper). SnAgCu alloy with 3% silver and 0.5% copper" so how shiny it is, could be the type of lead free you're using. "These other alloys are types with higher silver content, such as SAC387 (3.8% Ag), and SAC405 (4% Ag). These higher silver alloys are true eutectic alloys - completely changing form a solid to a liquid at the melting point of 217°C. In contrast, SAC305 has a range between 217-219°C." so you could possibly do further videos to showcase the difference in these different mixes. one thing I have been contemplating is attempting this with a hot air station over a soldering iron, but I don't know how it'd fare and thus far have been unable to find anyone else having tried it.

[@debratryanowski620]

Did you find that lead free causes your iron tip to oxidize and not hold a tinning ? Im having an issue with this.

[@Funky_Fractals]

This is definitely an issue since it is hotter. Using paste flux has been helping me keep my tips clean and it burns less easily (the gel flux burns and chars on the tips pretty quickly when using lead-free in my experience). Paste flux + regularly cleaning with a damp sponge + using tip tinner as much as possible has been my recipe for destroying less tips! 😁

[@unidentifiedshrubz]

Its so strange seeing this cause my lead free melts better than my lead one and doesnt have to go as high

[@funnygaming2672]

i dont mind the more mat finish of the lead free plus it will get a platina after anyway...The least toxic the better you just need a higher temp .I dont get why people would still want anything that contain lead in their home !

[@unidentifiedshrubz]

Fascinating cause my lead free I actually use lower temp than my lead ones