Solder...

[Doug Wellington]

I started to buy some solder from Mouser, but the kind I want is $54!!!   :o :-\ :( >:(

That inspired me to make a comparison of solder prices.  You can see the results in the wiki at: http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/dougs_solder_price_survey

Be prepared for a couple shocks, Mouser fans!  (NOTE: If Jameco has it, it's the cheapest...)

Doug

P.S. If you've got suggestions for other places to buy solder, I'll add them to the list...

[stryd_one]

Ahh you did like me and went searching for the nice eutectic solder huh. I damn nearly fell over when I saw the price - you should try sourcing it in Australia OMG. $80 a 1/2lb roll, I kid you not.

Fortunately I found three rolls of nice fine 63/37 Kester with the no clean flux on ebay for $15. You can imagine how fast I clicked that button! (Oh, the packaging looks like its from the 80's hhahha...fortunately no sign of corrosion)

[Doug Wellington]

I just added another column to the comparison - Techni-Tool is now the winner!  Not only do they have solder for less than the other three, but they have a lot of Weller soldering iron tips on sale for less than $3 US...

Doug

[NV]

Hi Doug,

You may want to add the Curious Inventor store to your list for their small quantity solder offerings. When purchasing something like .031" solder it's great to buy a pound and be done with it, but I've never felt justified in spending ~$40 for .015" or .02" solder when such a small amount goes a long way. The Curious Inventor store (from the video at uCApps and on your Wiki) has .02" solder in 1oz. quantites for about $2.50, and 1oz. of .02" solder will last through pretty much all the SMD chips most Midibox builders will ever use.

Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.curiousinventor.com/store/category/15

It's not 63/37 eutectic, but if you're only doing a few SMD chips then it should be exactly what you need at a fraction the price.