The lead free solders require a higher tip temperature to melt period (check out the differences below). I found out pretty quickly I needed a higher quality 50W unit that was able to maintain 650 °F to 750 °F tip temperature.
Irons found at autozone or zellers will either burn your hand or self-combust on your dinning table. Once this happens you will understand it's a good idea to purchase a hako or weller unit.
Purchasing a small bottle of flux helps immensely to help the solder flow and avoid the dreaded cold solder joint.
Tin/Lead solders:
60/40 Sn/Pb melts at 370 °F or 188 °C
Lead Free Solder
SnAgCu, tin with 3% silver and 0.5% copper melts at 448 °F or 220 °C
If you have the right tools and technique the novak silver solder is an excellent product. If you are using an autozone or wallmart iron save yourself a trip to the hospital and use the radio shack 60/40.
Last edited by Capt'N_Slow; 07-03-2009 at 02:50 PM.