Tim Wescott wrote:

Charles DH Williams wrote:

In article ,
Tim Wescott wrote:


A friend of mine is putting together a middle-school electronics lab,
and wants to get some good cheap soldering irons.


Remind him to consider the health and safety issues before making
a final decision. In the EC (and perhaps elsewhere) one soon will
only be able to get lead-free solder so the soldering staions will
need to be compatible with this. The fumes from flux also need to
be considered.

The exposure to fumes by a child will likely be minimal but, as
the purpose will be 'educational', there may be a duty to employ
best practice so they end up knowing what a safe workstation is
like.

Charles

Hmm. Depressingly good point. I just hold my breath while soldering
and wash up when I'm done but I really ought to get a hood --
particularly since I'm training my kid to all my bad habits.

At different places where I've worked with a bunch of people soldering
at a long bench, I've seen muffin fans at each workstation to keep the
rosin smoke out of their face.

Good Luck!
Rich