Soldering and other skills (was Re: QL-Quality (Was: ZX-81 Question))

From: Tothwolf <tothwolf_at_concentric.net>
Date: Mon Apr 1 16:56:28 2002

On Mon, 1 Apr 2002, Chad Fernandez wrote:

> How much lead does solder dor electronics contain? I thought only
> solder for pipes contained lead?

I think you have it backward. Solder for water pipes is supposed to be
lead free (I believe there are strict laws regulating that). Solder for
non-water pipes can still use lead based solders. Electronics solder can
be one of many different alloys, most consisting of between 40% and 60%
lead, the remaining component, tin. Generic solder sold for electronics
today is usually a 60/40 (tin/lead) alloy. Most of the solder used in the
1960s was a 50/50 alloy. Surface mount and other exotic solder alloys made
today also contain 2% to 5% silver. IIRC, the tin content is also bad for
health.

I too would be interested in knowing what the chemical content of the
burning flux is. Of course, some of the solvents and cleaners also used
for electronics work are probably worse than soldering.

I do remember having muscle cramps in my fingers when my workload of
soldering work would decrease. I tended to blame muscle conditioning, but
now I think it may have been all the lead/tin I was handling.

-Toth
Received on Mon Apr 01 2002 - 16:56:28 BST