What are the best types of solders for beginners?
In my opinion, tin-lead solder, specifically 63/37, with rosin flux core.
63/37 is called a eutectic alloy of tin and lead. That means that there is no paste phase. It goes from solid to liquid, and liquid to solid with no soft paste phase between. At 183C.
60/40 solder has a narrow temperature range where it is not solid, but not liquid. If you move or otherwise disturb the joint while cooling in this phase, you’ll end up with a lumpy joint, a type of cold solder joint or dry solder joint. It will probably work electrically now, but fail later by cracking.
A lead-tin solder joint, properly done, looks shiny.
Lead-free solder is difficult to use. Even on a new, clean PCB and new components, you’ll need lots of extra flux. And a lead-free solder joint done correctly, still looks grainy.
Steven J Greenfield's answer to What are the disadvantages of lead-free solder vs. lead solder?
In my experience, lead free solder also seems to require much tighter control of soldering iron temperature.
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