The right temperature for lead-free soldering?

If your SAC alloy doesn't 'behave' as expected, there are several things to do:

  • make sure your materials are clean in good shape, that is no excessive oxidization is present (dull copper)
  • use more flux, maybe even a more aggressive flux
  • increase the temperature. once you get 'instant charcoal' it is too high.

You'll have to do some testing. Personally I hate 'lead free' solder, and it hates me as well.