[Elecraft] Solder fumes

[d.cutter at ntlworld.com]

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" <rohre at arlut.utexas.edu>
> Date: 2006/11/22 Wed PM 08:46:54 GMT
> To: "Craig Miller" <cmiller653 at gmail.com>, 
> 	"Elecraft List" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> 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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