First post, by Phoe
- Rank
- Newbie
While I've been interested in old technology, particularly computers, for a long time, only recently have I taken it upon myself to get physically involved in the hobby, so far I've been having a blast. This is something that I really care about and enjoy working on, but I have a problem.
I know I'm eventually going to need to repair/recap old equipment, but soldering makes me anxious as all get out, largely because of the lead. I know you can get lead-free solder, but I also know that it's considered next to useless when you're repairing old computer parts.
My Mom and I are both disabled already and the thought that, through doing this hobby, I might introduce something that worsens our situation scares the shit out of me. She doesn't care and largely thinks I'm being ridiculous fwiw. To make things worse really the only part of our house that has space for soldering work is our dining room table, we never eat on it and it's 15 or so feet from where we prepare food, but the kitchen/dining space is pretty open. There is a door right there I can open for ventilation of the flux fumes, at least, but what worries me the most is lead contamination via lead dust or me transferring it from my hands.
This is anxiety inducing enough for me that it almost makes me want to back away from the hobby, despite how much joy it does bring me, so I'm posting here for a reality check.
Is my fear based in any sort of reason or reality at all? Or am I losing my mind even more than usual, stuck in a nightmare fantasy land?