Soldering iron temperature for Sn 63?

[Multicore]

I'll be working on my complicated Partscaster today and need to solder lots of stuff. I've a Weller WES50. It has a knob to dial in the tool tip temperature over a wide range between 350 F and 850 F. I've a spool of Multicore solder Sn 63 / Pb 37. What should I set the knob to?

My first hit on a web search yielded "Lead-Based Solder (Sn-Pb, 63/37 or 60/40): Melts at around 183°C (361°F). A soldering iron tip temperature of 300°C–350°C is typically sufficient." So how about 625 F = 330 C?

 

[RandomEar]

Yeah, that's fine. I usually go with 320°C for 63/37. For delicate SMD components, I might reduce that to 300 or even 280. For thick ground planes, I will boost temperature to 340 - 370°C. Leaded solder is not picky with regards to temperature, but thick boards might suck away your heat and very high temperatures (>350°C) tend to burn the flux quickly. So there is always some experience or trial and error involved in soldering specific components.

 

[Multicore]

Thanks. It does seem having some adjustment according to what we're doing is useful. I couldn't get the ground wire off the tremolo claw with the Weller set to 330 C. Same thing with all the ground wires soldered to pot cases.

 

[RandomEar]

A common problem with ground wires and planes. There's usually a lot of copper there. More heat may be required in those cases. A thicker soldering tip and more contact surface area will also help. For through hole stuff, I prefer chisel tips and occasionally knife tips. You can check this out for some guidance.