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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 10:43:43

Title: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 10:43:43

Title says it all, I tried looking around and found some people recommending Kester 44 Rosin Core Solder 63/37 .020 but the 1lb spool is pretty damn expensive on Amazon. I just want to see if there is better options out there, if not I'll just have to suck it up.

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: jerue on Thu, 13 August 2015, 10:49:23

Use .050 for the assembly. .020 would be useful for diodes if you plan on putting those in your keyboard. I think 63/37 will be OK.

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 10:58:10

Quote from: jerue on Thu, 13 August 2015, 10:49:23

Use .050 for the assembly. .020 would be useful for diodes if you plan on putting those in your keyboard. I think 63/37 will be OK.

All smds and diodes came pre-soldered so all I am planning on doing is switches with sip sockets. I haven't done too much electronic soldering but have done decent bit of copper soldering for drain systems in HVAC, two totally different types of soldering it seems like but same concept.

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:05:32

I just use whatever Radioshack had. Something like .032 for switches and .022 for LEDs 60/40 rosin core.

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:13:24

Quote from: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:05:32

I just use whatever Radioshack had. Something like .032 for switches and .022 for LEDs 60/40 rosin core.

Thank you very much for your help, do I need to buy a 1lb spool for a 96% keyboard or would a 6oz spool be sufficient?

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:14:38

I prefer Kester but the Radio Shack stuff will work. 6oz should be fine for a board. 1lb is definitely overkill.

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:18:35

Quote from: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:13:24

Quote from: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:05:32

I just use whatever Radioshack had. Something like .032 for switches and .022 for LEDs 60/40 rosin core.

Thank you very much for your help, do I need to buy a 1lb spool for a 96% keyboard or would a 6oz spool be sufficient?

Yes Cptn is right. 6oz is plenty. Good luck! Be sure to post your build log/progress pics.  :thumb:

Title: Re: What soldering wire should I get to build a keyboard?
Post by: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:43:18

Quote from: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:18:35

Quote from: Steezus on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:13:24

Quote from: retrochick on Thu, 13 August 2015, 11:05:32

I just use whatever Radioshack had. Something like .032 for switches and .022 for LEDs 60/40 rosin core.

Thank you very much for your help, do I need to buy a 1lb spool for a 96% keyboard or would a 6oz spool be sufficient?

Yes Cptn is right. 6oz is plenty. Good luck! Be sure to post your build log/progress pics.  :thumb:

Thank you all for your help, I will make sure to document my voyage of keyboard building :D