My lead solder has finally run-out and I`ve finally moved over to silver solder…
It does not `run` nearly as well, it requires much more heat so there is more chance of damaging delicate components.
I can see why some experienced `solderers` consider it inferior to lead.
If the 2 parts of the join are in proper contact and you`re not using the solder as glue, the better flow of lead solder and lower temperature required are surely superior and there`s much less likelihood of dry joints.
So called “Silver” electrical solder is not that much different to “Lead” solder
Electrical solder compared to non-electrical solder is much higher in tin content with Tin/Lead ratio for rosin core fluxed solder typically 95% tin & 5% lead & up to about 65/35 for specific applications
Modern lead free solders that do not contain silver are usually somewhere about 99% tin and 1% copper
So called silver solder is typically 4% silver 95% tin and 1% copper.
Silver improves conductivity, not that 4% makes a huge difference
Relative Conductivity of silver (the best known conductor of all metals) is 106
Copper is 85 to 100 depending on spec
Tin is 13
Lead is 7
So whatever solder is used, it is mostly tin & not a very good conductor
I think my issue turns out to be with lead-free solder, not silver solder. Tin has replaced lead and it means the melting point is about 100 degrees higher. For this reason it doesn`t `tin` as nicely, it has a melting range rather than a melting point, is more corrosive and costs nearly twice as much as lead. The extra cost of adding 4% silver to lead-free solder makes it even more profitable but not better to my mind.
Ironically, tin may turn out to be worse for your health than lead too – but isn`t that often the way…