Soldering Iron Introduction

This is the content required for an introduction to our soldering irons - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it even quicker though ;-)

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the tool's manual, if available.

Safety

Dangers

• the tip gets very hot (over 300 °C)
• toxic fumes are be generated when soldering or overheating neighboring components
• hot flux can squirt towards you during soldering

Precautions

• only touch the handle, rest the iron in its stand when not using it
• take care of good ventilation and don't inhale the fumes, use a fume extractor with carbon filter
• protect your eyes with glasses
• get familiar with the type of solder you're using - for instance, does it contain poisonous lead?
• wash your hands after handling solder