Tin

[johniv]

I have never used the modern lead free solder. I see it is mainly tin, but has copper in it as. Well. Can I use this solder to add a little tin to my lead, or is there something in it to make it unsuitable.

[lightman]

Yes, you can use it. The odd 5% of other stuff won't hurt anything.

[farmbif]

I've used it. no problems, way I look at it if there is a bit of copper, good, it might just add a little hardness to the mix

[oley55]

as lightman said the amount of other (copper or whatever) is so diluted as to be closer to non-existent. Assuming 5% copper in your tin solder is mixed at a rate of 2% with the 98% of your lead alloy, the percent of copper would be something like .1% of your total alloy or another way, 99.9% alloy plus 0.1% copper. (I think...?)

Pretty sure my math isn't accurate, but it's close enough to help visualize it don't matter at all. Anyone with basic math skills want to check my math?

[johniv]

Thank you, fellas. That’s what I needed to know.

[kevin c]

I have an old roll of 95/5 solder where the non tin 5% is antimony, though I think the copper versions are newer and more common.

Lots of casters get their tin from pewter, which often contains copper at a 1-2% concentration. No effects on alloy characteristics that I know of other than the aforementioned minor increase in alloy toughness.

So the only downsides I know to using lead free solder as a tin source are that some contain acid or rosin fluxes that have to be dealt with, and that it's hideously expensive if bought retail.

[bangerjim]

5% Cu adds a bit of "toughness" to your melt....does not hurt at all. There are much cheaper sources of Sn that lead-free solder. But if that is all you can find, go for it. Just make sure it is not acid core!

[Winger Ed.]

95/5 was my 'go to' source for Tin in the old days when a 1lb. roll of it was $6. at Home Depot
and my Plumber buddies would give me several partial rolls that were dirty from floating around in their truck tool boxes.

Now days, the same roll is around $30-35. and the Plumbers seem to be somewhat more 'conservative' with it.

[ulav8r]

Have found 95/5 at flea markets twice in the last 6 months. $1.00 a pound or less.