Solder fumes

[David Cutter]

Haven't read all of the soldering thread, but have not seen mention so far of solder fumes.  Forgive me if this has been covered.  If you are spending a long time doing soldering, it's a good idea to clear the fumes away so you are not breathing the stuff too long, particularly in a confined space.  

In industry this is a legal requirment with quite expensive extractors of all shapes and sizes.  I use a very old (quiet) hair dryer on low heat to blow the heat away towards an open vent/window/extractor.  The low heat prevents hands chilling (even in warm wx).  There are lots of genuine extractor/absorbers about with prices to match.

Some solders are inherently less fuming and less residue.

David
G3UNA

>
> From: "Stuart Rohre" <[hidden email]>
> Date: 2006/11/22 Wed PM 08:46:54 GMT
> To: "Craig Miller" <[hidden email]>,
> "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Source of poor solder joints?
>
> Wiping the tip (clean iron tip, well tinned) before each joint is made when
> doing pads and wetting the tip with the tip of the wire solder are key
> steps.  Touch the tip with fresh solder just before starting to solder the
> joint.  Apply the solder wire to the junction of the lead, pad, and iron
> tip. Hold steady until you see full wetting action, then get the heated tip
> off the joint in a smooth motion.
>
> Also, use smaller diameter solder when you are doing just a pin of a active
> IC/ transistor, larger solder when doing shield can soldering, etc.  Make
> the solder fit the work.
>
> Proper heat and tip size has been mentioned.  A high intensity light for
> older eyes and a lighted magnifier make inspection of each joint a faster
> process.  The light helps insure you got solder all around a pad, wire lead,
> device lead, etc.
>
> Practice with a heat controlled iron, or a smaller constant wattage iron,
> makes perfect solder joints.  Inspection though, is still needed just in
> case you get in a hurry.  Check the tightness of your element and tip before
> you fire up the iron.
>
> Stop working when you are tired, or eyesight gets fuzzy.  Don't rush an
> assembly job.
>
> Check off each step, read it first, understand before you do anything.
> Double check that you have the right value part, check off each step after
> inspecting the joints and the parts used in that step.
>
> Read the manuals through before starting a kit.  Clarify any unclear points.
> This forum is very helpful as there are a lot of experienced builders of the
> same units here as the one you may be assembling.
>
> GL and 73,
> Stuart
> K5KVH
>
>
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