Soldering station and fume extraction  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Antlab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2012, 06:59:25 pm
content: Hi all.I am planning to buy a soldering station, but for health reasons I would like to avoid inspiring the relative fumes. So I ask advice for a good solution.I saw some relatively cheap stations with integrated fume extractor, as the Aoyue 2702 (http://www.aoyue.com/en/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=415), or little external units, as the Xytronic 426DLX (http://it.farnell.com/xytronic/426dlx/fume-extractor-solder/dp/4683705).Do you have any experience with these products, or general advice about this subject?If possible I would like to avoid bulky/too expensive solutionsThanks.CiaoA.

author: timorousme
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2012, 07:02:32 pm
content: I just use a small fan.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2012, 09:10:49 pm
content: The fume extractor tube on the Aoyou soldering iron works well, any smoke from soldering goes straight up the tube.The only issues are- The fume extraction tube on the iron makes it a bit odd to hold. You'd need to get used to it.I'm prefer a "round" iron so i don't use my Aoyou iron much.- The filter needs cleaning from time to time.The fume extractor units that sit on the desk (like your 2nd url) work fine, but only if you solder <20cm from the front of them.Which can get quite tricky.Quite often people turn those units around the wrong way and use the exhaust air flow to blow air across the bench. The fumes don't get removed but they do move with the air and get carried away from you.

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2012, 02:17:14 am
content: I have a Weller unit with a carbon filter. I find it a little annoying but works well for absorbing fumes. I also found it to be great for absorbing epoxy smell on small uses of that.Here is the unit I have:http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WSA350-Bench-Smoke-Absorber/dp/B000EM74SK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329272187&sr=8-1It is a little loud. That is the negative.

author: Antlab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2012, 10:40:21 am
content: Quote from: Psi on February 14, 2012, 09:10:49 pmHi Psi, do you have an Aoyue 2702? In general how do you rate it?CiaoA.

author: Antlab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2012, 10:45:01 am
content: Quote from: sacherjj on February 15, 2012, 02:17:14 amHi Sacherij. Your unit seems quite similar, at least for the structure, to the Xytronic one. About the loudness, in the product description they write: "Powered by an exceptionally quiet fan...". Do you think they "slightly" exaggerated?CiaoA.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2012, 01:58:28 pm
content: Quote from: Antlab on February 15, 2012, 10:40:21 amna, i have an Aoyue 968.Looking at pics of the 2702 the soldering iron part is similar to my 968, it's got the same 2nd tube running up the side.I also have the previously mentioned 'Bench Top Smoke Absorber'. Mine isn't weller brand but it looksexactlythe same as that weller one. (mine says DURATECH)Works fine except for needing to be quite close to it.

author: Mint.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2012, 07:22:26 am
content: I am a beginner, haven't yet gotten a proper fume extractor, so I use a normal desk fan to blow the fumes away. I may later on modify it so it sucks instead of blows, because I have got a convenient window right next to my lab.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2012, 01:07:27 pm
content: Extractors only reduce the fumes not remove it, so check the extraction rates; even then, once the filter is used the extraction rate starts to drop. You're best bet is an open window and a cheap fan. You could also give the room air cleaners a try particularly those with HEPA-like or true HEPA filters, search the archives for a post on this.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9838864