Since solder is such a poor conductor, why use it?

Plus, there are cable brands that use no solder.

Al,

I understand that ARC uses "silver solder" in its products. That said, I am dubious the solder is 100% silver or any silver alloy even close to pure silver. Not even sure what the melt point of pure silver is ... but I surmise it's a lot hotter than the typical lead/tin alloy used in regular solder.

Is the notion of so called "silver solder" real or hype??

Cheers,

BIF

The purpose of solder is to exclude air and thereby oxidation from the joint.

The connection should be first made mechanically and electrically sound, then soldered.

Crimped connections can also be effective in excluding air.

Crimp for a solid mechanical connection. Solder to add strength and rigidity.
That's the way I learned it 40 plus years ago. Hve things changed since then?

Details details. Weld away! There's gotta be a better way. ☝️