Half-Assed Fume Extraction

[Ginsly]

I've never been too concerned about soldering fumes. When I started a couple years ago the general consensus seemed to be "for small-scale at-home stuff, just direct the smoke away from your face". Some people just said "exhale when you solder something."

I've been using a small Kotto extractor, which is really just a little desk fan with a slot for an activated charcoal filter. It's getting pretty white, but air still flows through it very well. I have replacement filters, but I can't imagine that something so coarse would really be able to catch many of the particulates in solder smoke; other than looking a little nicer, I doubt a new charcoal filter would make a difference. I also run a small air filter next to my work desk.

This simple setup works, but I figured I'd see if there were small tweaks to improve it a bit. I can't really redirect fumes outdoors and I'm not in a position to get a huge hood or anything.

Anybody with a similar setup use a tiny HEPA filter in theirs or something? Seems like a good time to reevaluate and possibly make a safer working environment.

 

[Robert]

I can't imagine that something so coarse would really be able to catch many of the particulates in solder smoke

I have the Hakko version of the same thing.... judging by the white build-up on the exhaust side of mine (post-filter) I'm going to have to believe you are correct. It's obviously catching something, but definitely not everything.

Maybe a secondary filter? Or more than one extractor?

It probably fits into the "huge hood" category, but one of those desktop waterfall paint booths has always intrigued the hell out of me.

 

[jcpst]

I have one of those little carbon filter fans.
I thought of going one step up, carbon filter + hepa filter.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Edendirect-7-sq-ft-Tabletop-Air-Purifier-in-Black-HEPA-Solder-Fume-Absorber-Fume-Extractor-for-Soldering-Station-Hand-Engraving-HDBD-30-0521/336439713

 

[Ginsly]

Maybe a secondary filter?

Yep I'm wondering if people are using something other than these black brillo pads in theirs...

It probably fits into the "huge hood" category, but one of those desktop waterfall paint booths has always intrigued the hell out of me.

Whoa those things are bigguns! I do VO and have looked into proper vocal booths... unless I'm gonna sleep in there it ain't gonna happen!

 

[Ginsly]

I have one of those little carbon filter fans.
I thought of going one step up, carbon filter + hepa filter.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Edendirect-7-sq-ft-Tabletop-Air-Purifier-in-Black-HEPA-Solder-Fume-Absorber-Fume-Extractor-for-Soldering-Station-Hand-Engraving-HDBD-30-0521/336439713

Kotto has combo filters but they're for a different model extractor - I don't think they'll fit the one I have.

 

[jwin615]

Ive thought about getting the WEN 3410
Walton's 5 and Dime has it for $115 currently. It's 150 direct from WEN
They have hepa filter units too. Not sure if they have hepa filters for the 3410 but I'm betting 1 micron is enough for most use cases
Edit, these are sold under a few brands. Grizzly, powertec, JET.
The powertec AF4001 is the same as the WEN. The AF4000 is the same minus the remote.
I would probably go with the WEN because they actually stock replacement parts. Not sure about the others, though they are likely the same parts except maybe the remote board is addressed differently?
Edit 2: WEN has a 2 year warranty, powertec has a 1 year.

 

[falco_femoralis]

I removed the filter on mine today and the fan's draw range was doubled. I'm leaving it off. It looks like yours.

 

[Ginsly]

Ive thought about getting the WEN 3410

That thing looks pretty serious, although I think I need something a little closer to the work in order to keep the smoke outta my face. If I had a "work garage" I'd jump on that, though!

I removed the filter on mine today and the fan's draw range was doubled. I'm leaving it off. It looks like yours.

It seems like the function of pulling smoke and helping it dissipate is the most important aspect of these, so omitting the filter does make some sense.

 

[falco_femoralis]

That thing looks pretty serious, although I think I need something a little closer to the work in order to keep the smoke outta my face. If I had a "work garage" I'd jump on that, though!


It seems like the function of pulling smoke and helping it dissipate is the most important aspect of these, so omitting the filter does make some sense.

That's what I figured - when the smoke is in front of your face it's the most concentrated, in exactly the place you don't want it. In my basement the room is so big I don't really have to worry about an exhaust, but if I was in a bedroom I'd be a bit more concerned.

Maybe a stronger fan + ducting network would be a semi permanent solution that would only require an open window to completely eliminate smoke from your home.

 

[MichaelW]

You guys are weird, I love the smell of freshly melted Kester and look forward to it everytime I fired up the iron........




Disclaimer: I'm old and have already survived 2 cancers......don't listen to Mike.....