[Milsurplus] Lead solder banned?

[Clarence M. Owens]

I too am very surprised at the specified shelf lives of the rosin core
solders.  About 35 years ago I went to the factory closing sale at the
Wurlitzer factory in North Tonawanda, NY and among other things bought 6 or
8 one pound rolls of Ersin Multicore.  I am still using that solder.  I
have one full roll and half of another, so at the rate I use it I'm good
for a few more years.  It is shiny on the outside and the flux is still
quite "active."

I saw a number of postings about a supposed ban on the sale of lead solders
several years ago and they apparently were a reaction to the ban on its use
in plumbing.   I think this time the bans are a little closer to home, but
still should have little or no effect on us for many years.  I have a
lifetime supply of Ersin, Kester and other Lead/Tin and Lead/Tin/Silver
solders on hand, and for me that's only about 5 pounds.  For somebody young
who solders daily the number of pounds in a lifetime supply would be
considerable....  But if and when the end really is near, there should be
sufficient notice to make those lifetime buys.

Keep on soldering guys, just don't breathe the fumes too much!  Even though
they do smell good :-)

Clare  N2RJB