Kate Fights said:
I started at 13
Did a few kits but most of them were a bloody mess
with bad solder joints but practice did make things
better.
Despite bad eyesight and the fact things take longer
for me to do I still occasionally do a small project
here and there when I can.
But like other people have said why is lead used in solder?
Why haven't they come up with something else?
They have , but some are a lot more toxic than lead.
You won't get lead poisoning but other possibly worse health effects.
I prefer to risk the lead poisoning.
Also lead free has a higher melting point.
Same with non rosin flux , lot more likely to cause asthma
the ones with halogens
http://www.impell.com/binary/articles/Fume ex reduces LF risks.pdf
http://www.emtonthenet.net/techfeatures/200407/technicalarticle_Technology_02.htm
Similar to replacing lead in petrol. The replacements are a lot more toxic
and cause cancer
but don't cause lead poisoning.
A few manufacturers are starting to use conductive adhesives
especially in Europe with the tougher environmental and safety regs.
More non-repairable equipment.
Also helping with the push for distributed passives.
PCB has the passive components built-in as part of the pcb.
Only for massive runs.
Alex