T i m wrote:
Hi All,
My friend wants to give their 13 year old son something 'electronic /
kit' based for xmyth and have looked to me for help ?
I note that there are now 'lead free' solutions and just wondered how
they worked re basic electronc kit constuction / soldering please?
Should I get them something like this Maplin starter kit?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...7935&doy=25m11
Would 18w be 'right' for small component assembly with 'lead free' ?
I assume in the absense of lead the temp would be higher (and would my
'ex BT' Weller soldering station cope?)? ;-(
I was going to suggest a couple of basic kits that 'do something'
(electronic dice / light sequencer) might hold more interest 'after'
the kits were complete.
What impact would 40 years soldering with the 'full fat' stuff have
had on me? [1]
All the best ..
Lead free will soon be mandatory for all commercial production and
availability of lead based solders will lessen.
A good place to start is the Farnell website
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/bespoke/be...solder/faq.jsp
If that link doesn't work, click on the RoHS link on the homepage and
then the solder focus link.
You will need a slightly higher temperature iron, but I suspect many
are already suitable. If buying new, like you, I would go for a 25W
model and would recommend the Antex XS for which bits and elements are
widely available.
One thing to be aware of is that the fluxes used can be more aggressive
and can wear the bits away. Coated bits are available for use with lead
free. It also much harder to get a nice shiny looking joint with lead
free solder.
Alternatively, just buy in a stock of lead based solder, assuming the
13yr old isn't being used as slave labour to produce things for sale on
the open market!
If they become proficient and interested enough then a nice temperature
controlled iron may be on the cards for next christmas.
You should be wary of the flux fumes just as much as the lead
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg248.pdf see my other thread about fume
extraction.
MBQ