mystery solder

[Oklahoma Rebel]

I have a pound or so of mystery solder. I was wondering if someone out there could carefully cut an inch of known solder and weigh it with your powder scale, that way I can do the same and go by how much lighter or heavier it is and guesstimate what mix it is. just make the cuts as square as you can and let me know, that is... if if anyone is willing to do this for me. it would be greatly appreciated!!! thank you!-Travis

[The Dar]

We will have to know the diameter of the solder you have. I have some solder, I'd be willing to help.

[The Dar]

1/8" diameter, 90% tin, <5% silver <5% copper, and <5% bismuth. 18.5 grains

[NyFirefighter357]

I have all types of solder, I can do it tomorrow if you would like. I'll check the diameter as well.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

thanks the dar, i forgot about diameter! lol i'll go check right now!

[Oklahoma Rebel]

ok, it is 1/8th, i guess that's a common size

[garym1a2]

Make sure to check if the solder is solid, or hollow flux cored.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

it looks like lead wire, no core or anything coating the outside.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

ok, mine weighs 26.5grs, does that mean it probably has more lead than tin? but that is compared to that sample with bismuth, copper, and silver, all of which will make his sample heavier. so it is still hard to guess

[Oklahoma Rebel]

it would make his sample lighter I mean*

[Oklahoma Rebel]

NYFirefighter, could use your help with this one

[NyFirefighter357]

I'll get to it this morning, sorry.

[NyFirefighter357]

Ok, I have some results. All ratios express lead first/tin second except 95/5 which is lead free.

70/30- 28.5gr
60/40- ? 27.5gr?
50/50- 26.4gr
40/60- ? 25.45gr?
95/5- 23.3gr

60/40 Rosin core- 25.3gr

Most of my wire solder is 50/50, I only found 1 sample that was 70/30 & none 40/60 or 60/40 solid wire. I've gotten these from many places over many years. I have more than 60 rolls of wire solder. In general, I'd venture to bet if it isn't core solder of some sort it's more than likely 50/50.
All my other 1/8" rosin core is unmarked but the thinner rosin core solder that I have is all marked 60/40.
I used 1/8" tubing to make a jig for a consistent sample.

[Oklahoma Rebel]

cool. this should be a sticky

[NyFirefighter357]

I though that too.

[K7sparky]

Yikes:shock: LEE hardness testers are up to around 60 skins now.
Still the deal of the day and known hardness IS basically necessary for cast performance:grin:

40/60 12 BHN
50/50 14 BHN
60/40 17 BHN
More data is radially available with Google

Sample weight will get you into the ball park. Sample length / diameter / core type or none modify the results is THAT good enough:?: