Staple balls
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 08:54 AM |
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Proper Solder
Having had just got to the end of one of my 1lb rolls, I figured I might as well mention this stuff.
Proper 60/40 Tin/Lead
solder.
I much prefer it to all of the lead free solders I've tried (none have been fit for purpose, IMO)
It melts better, flows better, sounds better and sticks better. Well worth stocking up on a few rolls while we're still allowed it. 
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:02 AM |
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And gives you lead poisoning (and probably the flux fumes will get you too!)
But seriously - I agree that proper tin/lead solder is the best IMHO. You just need to make sure that you use it in reasonably well-ventilated
conditions (i.e. don't huddle over the bench while soldering...)
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:15 AM |
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have you ever noticed how the smoke from soldering always seems to flow past your face? lead free for me, just clean the wires properly before hand
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Staple balls
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:26 AM |
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I think it's more the flux that releases the smoke, rather than the lead itself (what with lead being a metal, and not really prone to turning
to smoke/vapour without significant current)
I seem to remember that the lead you take in is through your fingers more than your lungs, so I'm not that worried.
I probably take in more lead from eating game than I do from soldering.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:31 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Staple balls
I probably take in more lead from eating game than I do from soldering.
don't think your meant to eat the lead shot too 
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deezee
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:41 AM |
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I used to repair the furnaces for Octel, who made Tetra-ethyl lead for fuel additive. Actually still do as its used in some countries and certain
other fuels. Anyway, I digress.
We had regular medical checks working on the plant. We used to demolish an entire, 10m long furnace, full of the stuff. Its super hard to get lead
poisoning by contact. The fume from solder won't be containing anywhere near enough lead particulates to do you any harm. It also won't
be absorbed through the fingers. The common way to get "Leaded up" was poor hygiene. I.E. handling your food and smoking with lead
covered hands.
Either way the warning signs are pretty big that your full of lead. Horrid nightmares and peeing your pants, being the most memorable. These occur
long before any harm is done.
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Hellfire
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 09:55 AM |
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The main problem are from Fumes from Flux - Colophony. I used to have to do COSHH Assessments for the stuff. For occasional use it's no problem
- for constant use, it's a different story.
The best advice is here: http://www.le.ac.uk/eg/safety/risk/solder/Risk_Assessment_For_Soldering.doc
Steve
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cadebytiger
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| posted on 13/4/09 at 11:26 AM |
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The leaded stuff is much easier to use. I built myself an extractor using a PC fan and PC power unit. Seems to work really well.
Can post some pics if anyone is interested. Also serves as quite a handy power unit.
Rupert
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paulf
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| posted on 14/4/09 at 09:00 PM |
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Ive got a couple of large reels of 60/40.I think RS and Farnell still sell it as it is allowed for certain uses, I seem to remember military and
automotive use are amoung them so probably an admission that lead free is not as good in high vibration enviroments.
Paul
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JoelP
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| posted on 14/4/09 at 09:23 PM |
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thought i was onto a bargain find here but i only do water pipe soldering, so leaded is no use for me! Bloody expensive stuff, solder. Flux too now i
think of it... 
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