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Leaded solder is perfectly OK to use as long as you don't go sniffing the fumes or eating it . And remember to wash your hands after handling it, but I assume you would anyway...
If you're going to use lead-free, the best by far is added-silver - typically 2-4% silver - avoid the plain lead-free, it's basically little more than pure tin and is difficult to get good clean joints with. The silver reduces the melting point and makes it flow much better, almost as good as leaded. Maplin sell it if you can't get it in small quantities elsewhere - it's expensive, but well worth it.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I recently bought one of these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KBPN1ZU/ref=twister_B078B25K9W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ironically I needed to resolder the socket onto the board as it was done badly in the factory but it is now a really good iron, heats up instantly and is well regulated. It was a punt for me but I have been really happy with it.
Goes into sleep mode when not being used, maintains tip temp brilliantly. Absolute joy to use.
They do a cheaper model too, probably overkill for home use but should last a lifetime:
https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/hakko-fx-888d-70w-mains-solder-station-a86uf
Cheaper here, and the guy is genuine:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HAKKO-FX-888D-Genuine-UK-PLUG/222782363701?hash=item33dedd1835:g:lXUAAOSwtTVZjaGo
The chinese boxes are hit and miss by all accounts. Don't buy the Antex iron with the variable setting built onto the plastic casing of the iron - it will break.
Second what icbm said. Lead solder is not dangerous, the melting point is too high to give off fumes through soldering. The smoke from the flux in modern solder isn't too clever for you, but not really a problem for home use. Just be sensible with it.
I use the Maplin silver solder.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-N78AR-Solder-Station-Variable-Temperature-Adjustable-Controlled-50W/263411603535?hash=item3d548e184f:g:hqEAAOSw28pZyOcQ
Unfortunately, eBay seems to be the only place to get them, because Maplin no longer sell them.
Cheers,
Stephen
I prefer metcal over Weller, as the metcal irons have a shorter distance from the grip to the tip, helping fine pitch work. I would look to get a second hand metcal one if you are spending a few hundred.