[sdiy] unleaded solder

[sleepy_dog at gmx.de]

I had found a PDF somewhere from a solder manufacturer introducing the 
back then "new" (as in mandatory for products in EU) lead free stuff.
They cautioned that, for the one who does the soldering, this is 
potentially unhealthier, because the flux in lead free solder is more 
"aggressive", bad for airways and in other sorts of ways. Can't remember 
the link, alas. They staded that proper ventilation is even more 
important when using lead-free solder.

Somebody mentioned sponge vs. copper (I actually only know brass) scrubber.
Let me add to that that I have not heard anything about quicker eating 
away of the tip when using that vs. a wet sponge. I, as a hobby-only 
user can't tell anyway, my tip lasts "forever" ^^
A wet sponge does, though, reduce the temperature of the tip, and may 
leave a trace of minerals from tap water (one could use distilled water 
of course), both of which I find annoying, and it's probably also not 
good for the tip to get this frequently repeated cooling / heating (at 
least that's what a pro EE who solders all the time once told me)

Steve


Am 02.04.2016 um 18:19 schrieb Phillip Harbison:
> Last night I was soldering for the first time in many years. I
> am trying to use lead-free solder. I believe it is 99% tin and
> 1% copper. In the lead solder days I never had a problem with
> getting good joints. Last night I had lots of problems. Perhaps
> it is more a matter of declining vision and unsteady hands, but
> I'm inclined to believe the solder is part of the problem. When
> using lead solder it was quick work so my eyes and hands did
> not have as much time to become fatigued. It seemed to take
> forever to get the solder flowing. I had my iron set at 430•C.
> I'm not sure if that is sufficient temperature, but it is near
> the iron's maximum temperature. I struggled to assemble a kit
> with a ZIF socket, a dozen discrete components, and a handful
> of connectors on a 1.25" x 4" board. I did not time myself but
> I'm guessing at least 90 minutes. Any suggestions on what I
> might be doing wrong? Should I give up on lead-free solder? I
> would appreciate any advice anyone can offer.
>