No More Wire Hangers!

Paul Schreiber, owner of Synthtech, dropped this info on pertinent mailing lists last night:

The EU’s import ban on leaded solder begins July 1st. If you are interested in DIY/repair/kit building, I *strongly suggest* buying at least:

2 spools of Kester ‘245 No-Clean’ solder, part # 24-6337-8800 (for repair and wiring front panel parts) 1 spool of Kester ‘331 Organic’ solder, part # 24-6337-5401 (you use this on pc boards, then wash off the flux which is really vinegar).

This entire lead ban has caused quite a bit of consternation among companies that sell kits. It has put a couple European manufacturers out of business, and cost a _lot_ of money for others to become compliant. I ultimately unsubscribed from at least one mailing list because of a more or less relentless bitchfest viz. the RoHS lead ban. (Because, as we all know, there’s only ONE way to DIY a synth, god dammit!)

In any case, like the man said, the RoHS ban goes in to effect on July 1st, so if you live in Europe, get your repair stuff in order now, else you might shortly be up Shit Creek sans paddle.