Andrew VK3BFA wrote:

Who comes up with these things - now we have to go to a new solder
formulation not as good as the old one - a bit like FREON - dont worry
about the millions of Asian countries using FREON in the
refridgerators, get the can out of the workshop and the world will be
a better place. (the fact that the patents have expired on FREON but
not the replacements is pure co-incidence, I'm sure...)


I'm just going to put my tin foil hat on and avoid the consipiracy rant
today ;-) But I think that freon comment has merit.

I have been using lead based solder for 30 years - no precautions. For
20 years I was a cable jointer with Telecom wiping lead sleeves onto
cable, using bar solder and a propane torch at the bottom of a ill
ventilated manhole -the only precaution I took was not to use the same
pocket knife I scraped lead with to cut my lunch - somtimes I did, but
I ALWAYS wiped the blade on the grass before I did. 20 years of blood
testing revealed NO higher levels of lead than general environmental
exposure.


My biggest problem with solder was the flux. I used to work in 2way repair
and I had a small fan on the desk to blow the flux away or else my eyes
would burn.

Andrew VK3BFA


--
Donovan Hill
VA7LNX (Basic, Advanced)