what kind of solder?

[vintagegamer]

I'm reading that rosin solder is the one used for electronics repairs.  Is that the right kind or should I be looking for something different?  Also, is there a recommended diameter?

Thanks.

[ChadTower]

The marvin3m section that goes over this. 

I strongly advise you to start reading the stuff there.

[Kevin Mullins]

Rosin-Core Solder 60/40

I generally use .032 diameter for most everything.

[vintagegamer]

Of course they didn't HAVE the .032 (I knew you guys were gonna say that was the right one), so I had to buy .050 and another size I think .060.  So, I guess I need to keep the receipt 

[grantspain]

you should be o.k with that solder,the key is having a good quality iron
just don't buy plumbers solder or high melting point solder

[vintagegamer]

I bought this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062751&cp=&sr=1&origkw=solder&kw=solder&parentPage=search

I know I know..  some folks don't like RS stuff, but my coworker who is a fellow pin owner said he has this exact one and uses it all the time..  Sorry I've defied the Council 

[Kevin Mullins]

That unit should do ya just fine...... just practice with it on anything you can get your hands on. That's the key with whatever iron you use.... PRACTICE.
I personally use their cheapest 30watt pencil iron, but then again it's all about how much you practice with it.

That solder is a bit big for smaller components like IC's and such, but should do you fine also with practice. Really it's just a matter of how you control how much and where you put it.

Did I mention the PRACTICE part.   

I would reccomend one of their de-soldering irons as well. The one with the red/orange sucker bulbs on it. Great for removing solder from component pins.

[grantspain]

yes practice on something you don't love first

[ChadTower]

The diameter of the solder only matters according to the size of the joint you are trying to make.  For most PCB work I prefer .32 but have gone as high as .62 in a pinch.  I usually use .62 on mechanical parts.

As Kevin says, you can make do with most irons and most size solder.  It's all about how good you are and the only way to become good is to practice.  Preferably on scrap boards.  Can't stress that enough.

BTW, I have one of those desolder units and can't stand it.  I hear it makes a great iron to mod for a really cheap SMT reflow iron.  Remove the bulb, attach it to a cheap air pump, drop some steel wool inside the tip... booyah.  SMT rework for $30.

[Kevin Mullins]

BTW, I have one of those desolder units and can't stand it. 

Yeah, I hesitated on mentioning that one..... seems like I hear the "I can't stand it" fairly often.
I use mine ALOT. But I guess everyone gets used to one thing or another differently.
 

[shardian]

BTW, I have one of those desolder units and can't stand it.  I hear it makes a great iron to mod for a really cheap SMT reflow iron.  Remove the bulb, attach it to a cheap air pump, drop some steel wool inside the tip... booyah.  SMT rework for $30.

I considered getting one of those the other day when I was in radio shack. I was surprised it was only $10. I have heard the good and bad with them, but I guess I'll just stick with desoldering braid. Stuff works like a charm, and means one less tool to plug in/ burn me.

[ChadTower]

I need new tips but I agree with the soldapult.  Great product once you learn how to use it.  Loses effectiveness as the tip gets worn out.

[northerngames]

I use a RS 15-watt mostly on pcb work

a RS 30-40 watt for desoldering along with a desolder braid

my main solder I use is the RS High-tech Silver bearing solder .015 dia. 62/36/2

but most my soldering skills goes to really small parts on pcb's not car wiring or house etc..

 I started with the solder braid for the first few years then thought I would get the desolder pump to try and compare I used it once or twice for 2 seconds and got angry with it and went back to the desoldering braid becuase it was way to large of a tip to get into anything or even around anything heat sensitive and to top that it does not suck very good when it is small pcb work I would only use it to suck up a huge solder globs the size of a u.s. penny lol

[ChadTower]

It's perfect for the tyle of through plated components that pins use... for SMD work, it's not going to be effective, too big.