Quote:
Originally Posted by RudolfXC
Lead free should be used by everone for health reasons but it needs a hotter iron and leaves a dull finish that is not to everyone's liking.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sosidge
60/40 solder is still the easiest to use.
It is banned from industrial use but is not banned from hobby use. The health implications from doing half-a-dozen joints are not worth worrying about.
It's not as easy to find on shop shelves as it used to be, but it is still out there. More likely at your local hardware shop than at Maplin.
Lead-free is a pain to use at home - avoid it.
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+1 
Damn, I hate the over-reacting environmental sorts.
Hobbyists have been using lead-based solder for decades, and I've yet to see a single one's autopsy results have the cause of death listed as lead poisoning.
To the OP, regardless the type or mix of solder you choose - the real trick to soldering is using some type of flux (liquid or paste) as it helps the solder flow and make the connection quicker, while making sure to wipe off any residue when you're finished.