Been soldering since I was in high school (Mr Fixit at the local Hdw store). In undergrad school, I made extra money assembling the old Heathkit stereos. I started with a Weller gun that's just recently lost its 2nd tip. Gun is older than a whole lot of people on here btw, buy good equip and take care of it, it lasts!

When I started back into this hobby, I chanced on Deans racing solder and quickly realized how good of a job it does. Prob is the enviro cases are going to save us all from sitting around all day sniffing Deans (or any leaded solder) fumes so its gone away. Kester used to make one that would replace Deans and I've been looking for a while with no luck (still have a fair amt of Deans on hand). Its a 62% tin, 36% lead 2% silver formulation. It was sold as stock number KE1119-ND as 18ga wire and KE1120-ND as 23ga wire solder.

I have managed to read about a guy in England who found/bought a pound, so it must still be around. I think they discontinued it cause it was expensive and didn't sell well. Sure would like to find some if anyone has ever seen any of it or anything like it.

Great how-to!!