3 ms·
As a very occasional solderer, one thing I don't see written about much in beginner guides is ventilation. With lead-based solder, I'm never sure what I should
by nlnn 4y ago
As a very occasional solderer, one thing I don't see written about much in beginner guides is ventilation.
With lead-based solder, I'm never sure what I should be doing, especially in a small room/workshop. Keeping windows open or having good airflow isn't always possible.
Things like: should I avoid leaning over or breathing in while leaning over something I'm soldering? Do I need to air the room afterwards? Would a small carbon fume extractor help? Anything to worry about from other chemicals in lead-free solder? Or is even lead harmless enough for someone that's not soldering ever day?
- derkades 4y agoThe fumes are from flux (usually rosin), not lead. They are mostly safe, just breathe out while you're soldering. Soldering should hardly leave a bad smell. If the room does smell bad after soldering, you might be accidentally burning something else, like plastic insulation.
- bityard 4y agoLead does not vaporize at the temperatures being soldered, there is basically zero risk of breathing it in. However, when soldering you will end up with little balls and blobs of solder as waste. Don't just throw them in the trash. These should be collected and disposed of properly, as hazardous waste so that they don't end up in a landfill polluting your grandkids' water supply.