Does anyone use solder fume/smoke absorbers?

[rif]

I didn't see these on any 'tool wish lists' here or elsewhere, so probably no one does.  But at face value, it would seem like a good use of $50. I'm very tempted to get one even if they don't do much since I'm paranoid about this type of thing and I'll be soldering in a spare bedroom/office with the windows closed.

There's one by Weller (WSA350). Other companies make similar looking ones.
Hakko makes one that seems a little different -- you can use it in two positions. But it costs twice as much.

Here's what they look like:
Hakko

Weller

 

[Maxwell_E]

The one we have in the lab is just a computer fan in a little aluminum case. I haven't seen anyone on the lab use it in two years, and my boss moved it out there from his office because he never uses it. If you were worried about safety, I recommend safety glasses. Nothing like a solder blob in/around your eye to make you lean back real quick.

 

[Grainger49]

There have been some discussions of this item here or the old board.  In my tool thread (http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,173.msg863.html#msg863) I mention a fan for blowing away the smoke.  I have it mounted 3' away so it doesn't cool the solder joint.  I will edit my thread's OP and put this as an alternative.

Thanks,

 

[dbishopbliss]

I had the same concern, but encountered sticker shock when looking for a fume absorber.  There were some DIY versions that I saw, then I came across the Febreze Odor Removal Appliance.  It uses a carbon filter for odor removal, which is the same type of filter that the Hakko and Weller products use.  I'm not sure if its really as good, but it seems to work for the limited amount of time I am soldering.

It is meant to plug into a wall, I just attach it to an extension cord and place it next to my project.

 

[sl-15]

hi rif,
i had the same question a few years back when i started. see the link to this little thread:

http://db.AudioAsylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=bottlehead&n=131579

i bought the weller kind absorber back then. i think it could be a little stronger suction wise but if you put it close enough to your stuff beeing soldered it works alright. it does filter some of the nasty smell and keeps the fume out of your eyes. i found soldering a little more relaxing that way rather then sitting there and holding your breath trying to not inhale the fumes. also if you look at those carbon filters after a while you are glad this kind of residue is not settling somewhere in your room. so in my opinion it is worth the investment.

 

[Grainger49]

Stephan,

That is the thread I was thinking about.  

 

[HF9]

It seems like it would be worth the investment, but scrounging up $100 for a glorified fan and filter is a little difficult to do

 

[sl-15]

true $100 seems too much. i got mine back then used for $40 on ebay.

 

[HF9]

I opted to go ahead and get one, figured it couldn't hurt. I got the Inland Fumetrap. It's relatively simple and doesn't waste too much space on the desk.

 

[sl-15]

hi HF9,
have you used your new fumetrap yet. i am curious what you think and if it is having good suction power. i recently used mine again and thought it was working rather poorly. if you do not put it right in front of the fumes it does not work too well. maybe your brand/design works better?
thanks, stefan

 

[pro_crip]

I like solder fumes Seriously though, I've read that those aren't lead fumes, solder melts at too low a temp for vaporization (doesn't reach boiling point).  Thanks for listening.

Rich

 

[Grainger49]

Back in the linked thread, above, I recalled that when I was modding some Dynaco equipment back in the 90s I got horrible headaches, not as bad as migraines, but bad ones.  Solder fume removal has cured headaches for me.  YMMV.

 

[HF9]

It seems to work okay within about a foot. I find myself not using it as much as I thought as it's a little loud and interferes with whatever music I'm listening to.

 

[Paul Joppa]

I like solder fumes Seriously though, I've read that those aren't lead fumes, solder melts at too low a temp for vaporization (doesn't reach boiling point).  Thanks for listening.

Rich

That's what I've heard as well. It's mostly flux fumes. It is very bad for asthma, in fact capable of causing it if you breathe the stuff all day every day.