Kid makers from age 6 and up can solder metal under adult supervision . Here are step-by-step instructions on how to ignite your child’s passion for soldering. Step 1: Wet the sponge (this is used to wipe the iron clean after soldering). Step 2: Plug the soldering iron in.
Can kids learn to solder?
Introduction. Soldering (pronounced sa-der-ing) is the process of joining together two items, usually metal, by applying solder to the joint (i.e., where the two items meet). ... With some initial adult supervision, any kid can quickly and easily learn how to solder .
Is soldering iron toxic?
Soldering with lead (or other metals used in soldering) can produce dust and fumes that are hazardous . In addition, using flux containing rosin produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or worsen existing asthmatic conditions; as well as cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.
Is it safe to use a soldering iron in the house?
Use the right size soldering iron for your projects; too much heat can ruin your board or components. Solder in a well-ventilated space to prevent the mildly caustic and toxic fumes from building up and causing eye or throat irritation. Always put your soldering iron back in its stand when not in use.
Who uses soldering iron?
Soldering irons are familiar to most jewelers, metal workers, roofers and electronics technicians as they frequently use solder to join pieces of metal together. Depending on the job different types of solder is used.
Can I get lead poisoning from soldering?
The primary route of exposure to lead from soldering is ingestion of lead due to surface contamination . ... Health effects from short-term overexposure to lead: Abdominal pain, digestive problems, fatigue, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss, pain or tingling in hands or feet.
What are the disadvantages of soldering?
- Careful removal of the flux residuals is required in order to prevent corrosion;
- Large sections cannot be joined;
- Fluxes may contain toxic components;
- Soldering joints can not be used in high temperature applications;
- Low strength of joints.
Why should you never touch the soldering iron?
They are very hot (about 400 C) and will give you a nasty burn .
What to do and not to do after soldering?
After soldering, immediately coat the tip in fresh solder to prevent oxidation. Avoid using sandpaper or anything that is too aggressive tools to remove oxidation. This can damage the iron plating that protects the copper underneath, shortening the life of the soldering iron.
What should you never do with the metal part of the soldering iron?
Never touch the tip , or element, of a soldering iron – The soldering iron element is heated to nearly 400 degrees. Avoid touching the mains flex with the soldering tip – Many soldering stations will have a heatproof flex for additional protection.
What things can be soldered?
- Soldering in the Roofing Trades.
- Soldering Metal Gutters.
- Soldering Stained Glass and Mosaics.
- Using Soldering Tools for Circuit Boards.
- Soldering for Electricians.
- Solder in Auto Repair.
- Soldering Tools for Home Projects.
How do you use a soldering iron first time?
If you are just starting your session, begin soldering as soon as you finish tinning the tip . Throughout a project, clean and then tin your tip after every few joints. If you’re tinning a tip after completing a project, wipe the tip again briefly after tinning and then turn the iron off and put it away.
What type of soldering iron should I use for electronics?
A 30-40 watt fixed-temperature iron will be on the hot side for electronics work. It will melt solder very quickly and make it really easy to heat up large component leads quickly, such as those on connectors.
How do you know if solder has lead in it?
Rub the test area with an activated LeadCheck® Swab. If the tip of the LeadCheck® Swab is pink or red, there is lead . Swab tips exposed to leaded solder will turn pink or red instantly. Any remaining dye, if negative, will become pale yellow to colorless.
Can lead be vaporized?
Heat has long been used to soften old paint so it can be easily scraped off. The problem is that lead starts to vaporize when heated over 752 degrees F , and you can end up breathing in the poisonous fumes.
How quickly does lead leave the body?
Once in the body, lead travels in the blood to soft tissues such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, spleen, muscles, and heart. The half-life of lead varies from about a month in blood, 1-1.5 months in soft tissue, and about 25-30 years in bone (ATSDR 2007).
