[sdiy] Sound kits suitable for a 12 year old?

[Seb Francis]

dj hohum wrote:
> While we're on the subject of electronics for kids what do people
> think about leaded vs unleaded solder?  I've heard that unleaded
> solder is very difficult to use for hand soldering? Is this true? I've
> never actually used it. I've also read that avoiding touching one's
> face and washing one's hands after soldering dramatically minimizes
> the potential for lead ingestion. I don't want to put kids health at
> risk, but, I don't want to be a mamby pamby about it either. I want to
> be as safe as necessary without sucking the fun out of the activity.
>   

Some lead-free solders (particularly the budget ones) are harder to 
solder with than others.  But yes, leaded solder is easier still.

I wouldn't be over paranoid about lead ingestion - it's a stable metal 
with no tendency to become airborne.  The key thing as you say is to 
wash before putting hands near mouth, eyes, or handling food, etc.  If 
you think your kid can follow these instructions then I'd say it's safe 
enough.

Seb (who's been soldering with lead since a young age!)