"Tim Wescott" wrote in message
...
Charles DH Williams wrote:

In article ,
Tim Wescott wrote:


A friend of mine is putting together a middle-school electronics lab, and
wants to get some good cheap soldering irons.


Remind him to consider the health and safety issues before making
a final decision. In the EC (and perhaps elsewhere) one soon will
only be able to get lead-free solder so the soldering staions will
need to be compatible with this. The fumes from flux also need to
be considered.

The exposure to fumes by a child will likely be minimal but, as
the purpose will be 'educational', there may be a duty to employ
best practice so they end up knowing what a safe workstation is
like.

Charles

Hmm. Depressingly good point. I just hold my breath while soldering and
wash up when I'm done but I really ought to get a hood --
particularly since I'm training my kid to all my bad habits.

Computer muffin fans (12 vdc) are a cheap alternative (which is what is
inside the Haako 493 with a filter in front)

The Haako 493 and similiar clone units are available for $ 20 to $ 35 used -
I picked up one for a workbench last month - $ 30 with the shipping !

Train these kids in proper workbench habits and shop safety - first. The
lead-free initaitve is real and in the US we will be working with a "mixed
environment" (repair of older equipment with compnents that may not be able
to handle high temperatures (70 to 90 degrees higher depending upon
formulation used) required for lead-free solders.

Kester has a major training effort underway - just for lead-free
http://www.kester.com/en-us/index.aspx

G. Beat