Good lead free solder availible yet?

[abraxalito]

Originally Posted by jackinnj

Article in one of the NYTimes this week about the motor-cycle battery industry in China -- seems that an unexpectedly high number of children in the village are suffering from severe developmental disorders. This is one of those issues in which the exercise of some diligence averts disaster, and malfeasance creates a catastrophe.

Another one in my backyard only this week - something about adding lead to metal foils. Lots of kids with blood lead levels well elevated over the limits in the West. Dunno who sets the limits though and how realistic they are. Here there was a scare over phenol getting into the water supply. Turns out that the limits set are amazingly low - maybe under a microgram per litre, not sure. Then when I hit Wikipedia it casually mentions that Islay malts can have up to 100ppm.

[DigitalJunkie]

The few lead-free solders I have tried have sucked.

[abraxalito]

Is it too 'political' to remark that 'lead free' is a classic example of governments' (every one, not naming names here) inverse Midas-touch?

<edit> - not talking fuel for cars here as I haven't studied the facts, but in solder.

[harwoodspark]

I've just bought two half kilo reels of Cookson Electronics 63/37 leaded solder. It's lovely to use after having been using lead free 4% silver solder for a while. The biggest problem I've found with lead free solder is removing components during a project, that and the fact that the joints look shite. I might persevere with lead free in the signal path if I can discern a difference.

[kevinkr]

Originally Posted by abraxalito

Is it too 'political' to remark that 'lead free' is a classic example of governments' (every one, not naming names here) inverse Midas-touch?

<edit> - not talking fuel for cars here as I haven't studied the facts, but in solder.

Lead in fuel was bad news, but as far as lead in solder is concerned I'm pretty much with you.. I hate the lead free stuff and as we are not obligated to use it domestically I don't.. (I go through a lb every few years and am careful how I dispose of electronics that have outlived their usefulness.)

[tvi]

"Islay malts can have up to 100ppm" another reason to avoid other than taste.
Just checked, I've only about 2 glasses of the attached left and the price has tripled.

The problem with the lead solder wasn't with the assembly it as with the industry of shipping e-waste to third world countries where boards are "reworked" over open fires,
, the hobby market really wasn't the target.


Regards
James