Just bought Aoyue 936, now what solder to buy?

[SY]

I've used both sponge and brass wool- the brass wool seems to be a bit more effective, but they're both fine. For a decent soldering iron, the temperature recovery is pretty fast (seconds) so I wouldn't worry about that.

For solder, 60/40 is good, 63/37 is even better, and a 2% silver solder (rosin core in all cases) will give you super-looking joints and not leach silver from components that have silver-bearing terminations.

[qusp]

its not the thermal recovery thats the problem, its the sudden and repetitive thermal cycling of the tip and the oxidization caused by the wet sponge.

[marce]

Second 63/37 true eutectic tin lead, best to practise on as it flows easy. 2% silver (Tin/Lead/Silver) is what I use, as I have a great big real of it from a project that required silver solder, gives nice shiny joints.
If you do SMD though solder choice can depend on components and terminal finish, a lot of new components are matt tin, for reflow tin lead on these components is not as good as using a lead free solder.

[DreadPirate]

Kester 63/37 in the .032 diameter.

[buzzforb]

Be careful, when changing the tips on those excellent irons, sometimes they dont want to screw back on correctly due to cheap plastic threads. Otherwise phenomenal iron for the price.

[klewis]

I've used WBT -0820 which has silver content. It flows very well. However, the price has just exploded... Still I tried another eutectic (sp?) solder and have not been as happy, it tends to stick to the tip more and pull the puddle as you remove the iron. The WBT flows very well, making smooth neat joints.

[hags]

If you're budget minded try this:

Dayton Audio SLDR-S4P-8 4% Silver Solder 1/2 lb. Spool 370-038

It compares favorably to WBT, Wondersolder etc.....

If you want the absolute best, in my opinion, for ease of soldering, flow, low melting point, great looking joints etc... then try this:

Cardas Audio

Without a doubt the finest I have used and I've tried most of them.