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what lead-free solder do you use, and where can I buy it?
Hello everyone,
My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr
old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr
old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message
... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire You can check the Kester web site on the lead-free update http://www.kester.com/leadfree_update.htm Even without lead content, breathing flux fumes from solder can cause respiratory irritation/problems. Kester Recommendations http://www.kester.com/recommendations_leadfree.htm Alloy temperature guide http://www.kester.com/alloy_temp_chart.html w9gb |
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message
... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire You can check the Kester web site on the lead-free update http://www.kester.com/leadfree_update.htm Even without lead content, breathing flux fumes from solder can cause respiratory irritation/problems. Kester Recommendations http://www.kester.com/recommendations_leadfree.htm Alloy temperature guide http://www.kester.com/alloy_temp_chart.html w9gb |
Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there
actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. Jeff Spidle j_spidle(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in message ... hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there
actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. Jeff Spidle j_spidle(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in message ... hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
The Eternal Squire wrote:
Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 May I suggest a fume-hood or some other sort of exhaust fan at your workstation? -- Donovan Hill VA7LNX (Basic, Advanced) |
The Eternal Squire wrote:
Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 May I suggest a fume-hood or some other sort of exhaust fan at your workstation? -- Donovan Hill VA7LNX (Basic, Advanced) |
Makes you wonder how me and many of my friends kept a piece of 60/40 in our
mouths to prevent it getting confused with a chunk of wire for 40-50 years. Cannot think of a thing to sue Kester for. Must be something! (broke=not working, retired=not working, retired=broke) |
Makes you wonder how me and many of my friends kept a piece of 60/40 in our
mouths to prevent it getting confused with a chunk of wire for 40-50 years. Cannot think of a thing to sue Kester for. Must be something! (broke=not working, retired=not working, retired=broke) |
10 seconds at 300 degrees C is the max which folks like Analog Devices and
Linear Tech recommend. "Jeff Spidle" j_spidle(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in message ... hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
10 seconds at 300 degrees C is the max which folks like Analog Devices and
Linear Tech recommend. "Jeff Spidle" j_spidle(at)comcast(dot)net wrote in message ... hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. Your note brings 3 comments to mind: 1. Please use a 35-50 watt iron for your soldering work. You want to heat the junction as quickly as possible and minimize the length of time that the joint is heated. In soldering 40w for 1 second is going to heat a component FAR less than 10w for 4 seconds. example your hand can deal with 600 degrees for 1 second but not 150 for 4, you would be scalded. 2. Flux in solder is organic. In most manufacturing situations the rosin flux is kept temperature controlled until use to preserve it. You want to buy the smallest quantity you can quickly use. Don't buy a large spool of solder and then store it for years. It is recommended that for maximum effect that the rosin be 6mths old. If you have to use old solder then buy a flux pen, this will greatly help the flow and adhesion of your joints. 3. Kester solder has a good repository of info, taken w/salt, at their site, www.kester.com. This includes alloy, melting point, application notes. BTW, Pb vaporizes at 1749C or 3180.2F KC9EII "The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 |
VA7LNX wrote in message news:SWxEb.748181$6C4.294114@pd7tw1no...
The Eternal Squire wrote: Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 May I suggest a fume-hood or some other sort of exhaust fan at your workstation? 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 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. Andrew VK3BFA PS - does your XYL believe in the healing power of crystals as well? |
VA7LNX wrote in message news:SWxEb.748181$6C4.294114@pd7tw1no...
The Eternal Squire wrote: Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. I typically have been using coventional 2% silver electronics solder wire with my 12 watt pencil. I do a few connections every day, but my wife wants to take absolutely no chances, and on reflection, I don't really want to either. I'd like to know if here is anyone in the homebrew community who uses lead-free solder for fine electronics work, what brands or compositions they recommend, and where such can be obtained retail for a reasonable cost. Oh, yes, and can someone lend me a yard of it until I can afford my own large spool? Thanks in advance, The Eternal Squire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.551 / Virus Database: 343 - Release Date: 12/11/03 May I suggest a fume-hood or some other sort of exhaust fan at your workstation? 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 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. Andrew VK3BFA PS - does your XYL believe in the healing power of crystals as well? |
In article ,
"The Eternal Squire" wrote: Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. I haven't. But you must be very careful. Read the following quote from a paper on non-lead solders. Although directed at one combination, it illustrates the problems inherent with mixing differing solder types. When com-bined with a lead-containing solder metallization, on the PCB or the component terminations, a small amount of tin-lead-bismuth eutectic alloy will form. This resultant alloy has a melting temperature of only 960C (2040F)! Because many temperature-cycling regimens do cycle up to 1250C (25T-F), this presents an obvious problem. As a result, tin-bismuth-silver has been abandoned until the electronics industry is certain that all lead has been "purged" from electronics manufacturing. This is expected to take at least five or ten years. Al -- There's never enough time to do it right the first time....... |
In article ,
"The Eternal Squire" wrote: Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. I haven't. But you must be very careful. Read the following quote from a paper on non-lead solders. Although directed at one combination, it illustrates the problems inherent with mixing differing solder types. When com-bined with a lead-containing solder metallization, on the PCB or the component terminations, a small amount of tin-lead-bismuth eutectic alloy will form. This resultant alloy has a melting temperature of only 960C (2040F)! Because many temperature-cycling regimens do cycle up to 1250C (25T-F), this presents an obvious problem. As a result, tin-bismuth-silver has been abandoned until the electronics industry is certain that all lead has been "purged" from electronics manufacturing. This is expected to take at least five or ten years. Al -- There's never enough time to do it right the first time....... |
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. Seriously, you'd better consider the effects of the fumes from the solder fluxes. Since our shop is in an office environment, I bought some devices from TechniTool to solve the problem of solder fumes. At first glance they resemble a small bench lamps, but house a small fan and charcoal filter. The moveable arm allows them to placed near the work area where the soldering is done. Pete |
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. Seriously, you'd better consider the effects of the fumes from the solder fluxes. Since our shop is in an office environment, I bought some devices from TechniTool to solve the problem of solder fumes. At first glance they resemble a small bench lamps, but house a small fan and charcoal filter. The moveable arm allows them to placed near the work area where the soldering is done. Pete |
Al wrote:
In article , "The Eternal Squire" wrote: Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. I haven't. But you must be very careful. Read the following quote from a paper on non-lead solders. Although directed at one combination, it illustrates the problems inherent with mixing differing solder types. When com-bined with a lead-containing solder metallization, on the PCB or the component terminations, a small amount of tin-lead-bismuth eutectic alloy will form. This resultant alloy has a melting temperature of only 960C (2040F)! Because many temperature-cycling regimens do cycle up to 1250C (25T-F), this presents an obvious problem. As a result, tin-bismuth-silver has been abandoned until the electronics industry is certain that all lead has been "purged" from electronics manufacturing. This is expected to take at least five or ten years. Al I'm thinking Thermal Fuse ;-) -- Donovan Hill VA7LNX (Basic, Advanced) |
Al wrote:
In article , "The Eternal Squire" wrote: Maybe I should rephrase the question: are there any hams out there actually *using* lead-free solder, and what is thier favorite kind. I haven't. But you must be very careful. Read the following quote from a paper on non-lead solders. Although directed at one combination, it illustrates the problems inherent with mixing differing solder types. When com-bined with a lead-containing solder metallization, on the PCB or the component terminations, a small amount of tin-lead-bismuth eutectic alloy will form. This resultant alloy has a melting temperature of only 960C (2040F)! Because many temperature-cycling regimens do cycle up to 1250C (25T-F), this presents an obvious problem. As a result, tin-bismuth-silver has been abandoned until the electronics industry is certain that all lead has been "purged" from electronics manufacturing. This is expected to take at least five or ten years. Al I'm thinking Thermal Fuse ;-) -- Donovan Hill VA7LNX (Basic, Advanced) |
Jeff Spidle wrote:
hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. The reason for banning lead solder isn't that it is dangerous to people using it, but rather that old electronic equipment ends up in landfill and so does the lead. Auto batteries require special disposal for this reason. The idea is to ban the use of lead in all products (where possible) to eliminate disposal problems. But just how good IS lead free solder? I guess it DOES work well in plumbing where it has been in use for many years. If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? The small amount that it IS soluble is the danger. Guess the Romans went mad due to their use of lead pipes (that's where the word plumber comes from, the latin for lead is plumbum, and the atomic symbol for lead is Pb). Could be the lead pipes were the reason for the fall of the empire? |
Jeff Spidle wrote:
hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. The reason for banning lead solder isn't that it is dangerous to people using it, but rather that old electronic equipment ends up in landfill and so does the lead. Auto batteries require special disposal for this reason. The idea is to ban the use of lead in all products (where possible) to eliminate disposal problems. But just how good IS lead free solder? I guess it DOES work well in plumbing where it has been in use for many years. If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? The small amount that it IS soluble is the danger. Guess the Romans went mad due to their use of lead pipes (that's where the word plumber comes from, the latin for lead is plumbum, and the atomic symbol for lead is Pb). Could be the lead pipes were the reason for the fall of the empire? |
Uncle Peter wrote:
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. Seriously, you'd better consider the effects of the fumes from the solder fluxes. I used to use superglue to attach IC's to pc breadboards dead bug style. How about the fumes from heated superglue! (Burns your eyes!) |
Uncle Peter wrote:
"The Eternal Squire" wrote in message ... Hello everyone, My wife and I had been 'discussing' some of the effects of my hobby, such as the possible exposure of my 2-month old baby girl to lead vapor from soldering. Seriously, you'd better consider the effects of the fumes from the solder fluxes. I used to use superglue to attach IC's to pc breadboards dead bug style. How about the fumes from heated superglue! (Burns your eyes!) |
kenneth scharf wrote:
If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Just like carbon tetrachloride for dry cleaning or asbestos for insulation. -- Bill W6WRT |
kenneth scharf wrote:
If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Just like carbon tetrachloride for dry cleaning or asbestos for insulation. -- Bill W6WRT |
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) |
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) |
Bill Turner wrote:
kenneth scharf wrote: If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. |
Bill Turner wrote:
kenneth scharf wrote: If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. |
In article ,
kenneth scharf wrote: Bill Turner wrote: kenneth scharf wrote: If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. I heard this. Their wine was being drunk from lead-lined flasks. Al -- There's never enough time to do it right the first time....... |
In article ,
kenneth scharf wrote: Bill Turner wrote: kenneth scharf wrote: If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? ____________________ Lead is NEARLY insoluble in water, but the more acid the water is, the more soluble it becomes. And to answer your question, it WAS used in plumbing for many years until someone made the connection. Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. I heard this. Their wine was being drunk from lead-lined flasks. Al -- There's never enough time to do it right the first time....... |
Al wrote:
In article , kenneth scharf wrote: Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. I heard this. Their wine was being drunk from lead-lined flasks. Well, no, not so far as I've found. But they _did_ use lead water piping, and they _did_ use lead acetate ("sugar of lead") as a condiment. The first is bad only where the water's mildly acidic. The _second_ is Just Plain Bad. -- Mike Andrews Tired old sysadmin |
Al wrote:
In article , kenneth scharf wrote: Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. I heard this. Their wine was being drunk from lead-lined flasks. Well, no, not so far as I've found. But they _did_ use lead water piping, and they _did_ use lead acetate ("sugar of lead") as a condiment. The first is bad only where the water's mildly acidic. The _second_ is Just Plain Bad. -- Mike Andrews Tired old sysadmin |
Bill Turner ) writes:
On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 16:26:56 -0500, kenneth scharf wrote: Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. ____________________ What would explain the rest of the population being normal? Did they have bottled water? :-) -- Bill W6WRT A guess would be that plumbing was a luxury, for a few in the upper class. The rest of us had to carry water from the well, avoiding lead pipes. Michael VE2BVW |
Bill Turner ) writes:
On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 16:26:56 -0500, kenneth scharf wrote: Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. ____________________ What would explain the rest of the population being normal? Did they have bottled water? :-) -- Bill W6WRT A guess would be that plumbing was a luxury, for a few in the upper class. The rest of us had to carry water from the well, avoiding lead pipes. Michael VE2BVW |
kenneth scharf wrote:
Jeff Spidle wrote: hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. The reason for banning lead solder isn't that it is dangerous to people using it, but rather that old electronic equipment ends up in landfill and so does the lead. Auto batteries require special disposal for this reason. The idea is to ban the use of lead in all products (where possible) to eliminate disposal problems. But just how good IS lead free solder? I guess it DOES work well in plumbing where it has been in use for many years. If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? The small amount that it IS soluble is the danger. Guess the Romans went mad due to their use of lead pipes (that's where the word plumber comes from, the latin for lead is plumbum, and the atomic symbol for lead is Pb). Could be the lead pipes were the reason for the fall of the empire? They were poisoning themselves with lead, but it wasn't from the plumbing. The water that was carried to Rome from the aqueducts was extremely hard, and a layer of calcium formed on the interior of the pipes just about immediately after being put in use. Where they got their lead was from storage containers for wine. They used lead containers for this! I believe they credited the lead with preservative powers. The acidic wine pulled a lot of lead out ot the container and into the gullets of the drinkers. - Mike - |
kenneth scharf wrote:
Jeff Spidle wrote: hmmm, I have recently had the same discussion with my XYL, we have a 1 yr old. My self and another NASA trained ham, N9AEP, just completed teaching a soldering class for our ham club, Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. The EU is going to require all soldering to be Pb free in 2004, I believe that all US manufacturers will be required to do so in '06. I'm sure I'll be corrected on the dates. The reason for banning lead solder isn't that it is dangerous to people using it, but rather that old electronic equipment ends up in landfill and so does the lead. Auto batteries require special disposal for this reason. The idea is to ban the use of lead in all products (where possible) to eliminate disposal problems. But just how good IS lead free solder? I guess it DOES work well in plumbing where it has been in use for many years. If lead is insoluble in water, then WHY isn't it used in plumbing? The small amount that it IS soluble is the danger. Guess the Romans went mad due to their use of lead pipes (that's where the word plumber comes from, the latin for lead is plumbum, and the atomic symbol for lead is Pb). Could be the lead pipes were the reason for the fall of the empire? They were poisoning themselves with lead, but it wasn't from the plumbing. The water that was carried to Rome from the aqueducts was extremely hard, and a layer of calcium formed on the interior of the pipes just about immediately after being put in use. Where they got their lead was from storage containers for wine. They used lead containers for this! I believe they credited the lead with preservative powers. The acidic wine pulled a lot of lead out ot the container and into the gullets of the drinkers. - Mike - |
Mike Andrews wrote:
Al wrote: In article , kenneth scharf wrote: Like I said the word 'plumber' comes from the latin plumbum meaning lead. Ancient Rome was the first to use lead pipes. Could be why Nero was mad as a hatter. I heard this. Their wine was being drunk from lead-lined flasks. Well, no, not so far as I've found. But they _did_ use lead water piping, and they _did_ use lead acetate ("sugar of lead") as a condiment. The first is bad only where the water's mildly acidic. The _second_ is Just Plain Bad. Here is a good link on lead compounds: http://www.luminet.net/~wenonah/hydro/pb.htm - Mike - |
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