If you go down to Maplin today to buy some solder you're in for a big surprise...

As of June 2006, lead will be banned from electronic products sold in Europe. And Maplin is getting ready early. They no longer stock normal 60% Tin / 40% Lead solder.

Instead they have two kinds, one that is 99.3% Tin and 0.7% Copper, and another more expensive one with a bit of silver in it too.

I am happy to report that with my posh new Weller TCP soldering iron the cheap stuff works fine. With a cheaper iron it might take a bit longer to melt. A good excuse to buy a better iron ;)

The only thing to watch out for is: unlike conventional solder, the surface of the joint does not need to be shiny. As long as it is the right shape and touching both the component and the board, it will work fine even if it is fairly dull on the surface.

Lead free solder can be annoying until you get used to it. Just remember smugly that you are doing your bit for the environment :P