Characteristics of Solder Types

60/40 Solder: Composed of 60% tin and 40% lead, this solder melts at 374oF, but doesn't become completely solid until it cools to 361oF. This means it has a "pasty range" or "working range" of 13 degrees. This solder is your best choice for copper foil work. The liquid temperature and narrow "pasty range" make it easy to form and maintain consistent high, rounded, beaded seams. Because of its relatively low melting point, "60/40" solder is easy to rework to maintain a smooth finish solder bead.

50/50 Solder: This is composed of 50% tin and 50% lead. It is liquid at 421oF, solid at 361oF and has a pasty range of 60 degrees. This solder will produce a much "flatter" bead than 60/40. Because of its higher melting point, 50/50 solder is often used on the back (or inside) of a stained glass project to protect against "melt through" when soldering the front. Because it spreads and flattens out, 50/50 solder is often used when soldering lead came joints.

63/37 Solder: This solder is 63% tin and 37% lead. It becomes liquid at 361oF, and solid at 361oF, with a pasty or working range of 0 degrees. This solder is called a eutectic alloy which means at 361oF, you can go instantly from solid to liquid to solid just by applying or removing the heat source. You will often find "63/37" solder referred to as decorative or quick set solder. It is primarily used to create dimensional effects in the solder itself and can be "pulled" and manipulated to produce a variety of textures and designs. 63/37 solder also makes an excellent solder to bead up the outside rim of copper foiled pieces.

Lead-Free Solder: Depending on the specific mix of metals, lead free will produce differing liquid, solid, and pasty range temperatures. Check with the solder manufacturers for these specifics. Lead-free solders will perform similar to a 50/50 mix. Lead-free solders require more practice in order to obtain a smooth bead on copper foiled pieces and should not be used on lead came projects. Lead-free solder is the most expensive solder, but is the solder of choice when constructing pieces that will contact food, that will be handled frequently, or that will be used in a child's play area or room.

Solder Composition Reference Table