Re: lead free solder



wizzzer@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

I was planning on getting into electronics as a hobby seriously, and I
read that they have or will ban lead solder. Is it already illegal? Is
traditional lead/tin/rosin solder still available to buy? Do we really
need such a ban? I think I should stock up on the traditional solder if
I can because from what I read, lead free solder is terrible,
especially since I want to mainly work on repairing old electronic
equipment. I'm wondering if it will even be possible to be an
electronics hobbyist anymore.

You *need* tin lead solder for repairing old gear and it's still widely
available for that very reason. It's also hugely nicer to use.

There are a number of categories of equipment that are still allowed to use tin
lead solder too. The lead free thing is intended mainly I think to apply in
reality to consumer goods but the legislation in the EU doesn't distinguish as
such.

Graham


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