Rrobot Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) Hi team Not sure if this is the correct place for this question, but I wonder what the more experienced DIY-ers have to say about the variety of solder fume extractors on the market? Are any of these fan with active carbon sheet jobbies actually effective at either sucking up the smoke or scrubbing the air clean? I'm just starting to do some more hobby soldering and my exposure to solder fume probably isn't excessive. However I have significant ongoing respiratory problems so I can't afford more lung damage than I already have. I also have small children. The jury seems to be out on just how hazardous flux fume really is, but in my situation I can't really be too cautious. Short of dropping well north of a thousand dollars on something like a Hakko fume extractor unit and all the pipes, I'm wondering if my best bet and most economical solution may be to get an in-line axial extractor fan and some flexible 4 inch piping (such as those that cash crop growers seem to favour lol) and run that from the desk out the window/door. Any recommendations gratefully accepted. Edited April 30, 2019 by Rrobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Decky Posted April 30, 2019 Share Posted April 30, 2019 (edited) A computer fan with an active carbon filter works very well for me. You can always use more than one if you are concerned but for most of my DIY work I find it quite sufficient. This also includes heavy soldering and repair work. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G05A2MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5SBPN8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A3SMYIFLGM0RZZ&psc=1 The worst exposure for me was always on-equipment soldering in tight spots where you cannot see properly and have to have your nose above the soldering iron. For that I use carbon infused/lined face mask from Bunnings (Home Depot). Edited April 30, 2019 by Decky 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungbean66 Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 I use a Edsyn Fume extractor sourced from Mektronics.com.au. The website is currently down unfortunately. Works well and is a bit over a $100. Includes a light on the fan which is a bonus. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rewindhifi Posted May 3, 2019 Share Posted May 3, 2019 I am use a hybroponic exhaust fan off eBay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-150mm-HYDROPONIC-INLINE-EXHAUST-FAN-DUCTING-INTAKE-VENTILATION-KIT-EXTRACTOR/201960024865?hash=item2f05c16b21:g:rKkAAOSwE0JZACLw Works very well, sux everything out the window even my fart but can be noisy sometimes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yummittman Posted May 5, 2019 Share Posted May 5, 2019 I use an old PC fan and 12V supply. Make up a home brew bracket from some scrap aluminium and it should do the trick. Solder fumes aren't the best to breath in long term, so not a bad idea to suck them away! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rrobot Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 Thanks team. For some reason my alerts didn't fire and so I missed all these awesome responses! I like the idea of the hydroponic fan for simplicity ... A long run of duct out the window or door should do it eh? Cheers for the tips... I'm off to research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astromo Posted June 5, 2019 Share Posted June 5, 2019 On 03/05/2019 at 4:55 PM, rewindhifi said: I am use a hybroponic exhaust fan off eBay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-150mm-HYDROPONIC-INLINE-EXHAUST-FAN-DUCTING-INTAKE-VENTILATION-KIT-EXTRACTOR/201960024865?hash=item2f05c16b21:g:rKkAAOSwE0JZACLw Works very well, sux everything out the window even my fart but can be noisy sometimes. From the specs, 34 dBA @ 3 m --> 43.5 dBA @ 1 m (as per http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-distance.htm) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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