Duratool solder fume extractor fans -which model? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: analogix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 01:00:08 pm
content: I'm looking for a low cost (I'm a hobbyist) solder-fume extractor and as I'm about to order some other stuff from Farnell I found their Duratool fume extractors which appear decent for the price.However, detailed information on Farnell's website is lacking (likewise finding info elsewhere), and I still haven't heard back from contacting Farnell.So there's theDuratool D00374which is ESD-safe anddoes its job according to this review(and video below), along with another video-review I found.(image source:Farnell)All's good except it has a UK plug, and I need a EU one.No biggie as I can replace it, but if there's an identical model with the EU plug already attached I'll go for that.Does anyone know if theDuratool D00679is the same one, but with a EU plug?There's not much information to be found on the product page nor in thedatasheet.The DS00374 datasheetis a little better (it gives an overview of different models as well, but doesn't include the DS00679).

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 10:20:39 pm
content: Looks all the same to me. D00679 probably non-ESD safe, which isn't going to make any difference for hobbyists.Also these things are essentially just keeping the smoke out of your face and not actually filtering it. For starting off, low amount of soldering thats fine. But if you start soldering hours a day get something better.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 10:44:48 pm
content: If you want something to last avoid duratool,had a couple of there power tools in the past and both failed after very little use.

author: analogix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 11:03:38 pm
content: @thm_w: Yes, I agree they both (D00679 and D00374) look the same (as are their specs, according to the datasheets), but trying to go the ESD route as I'm also investing in an ESD-safe soldering station and have a grounded work-mat and wrist strap.I don't know if that means they've used different types of plastic for anti-static measures, or some other methods, or if it's just the same models with marketing words as a gimmickYes -this will be for the occasional soldering as a hobby at home, avoiding fumes directly in the face (or the need to constantly blow away the fumes while soldering and holding a steady hand). Just a few hours now and then. Not daily.@themadhippy: can you suggest some alternatives in the same price range? (preferrably from Farnell).Besides the low price, these appealed to me because you could adjust the angle. Other, reputable brands such as Hakko cost almost 10x as much here, and you can't even adjust its angle.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 11:13:06 pm
content: Quote from: analogix on November 07, 2024, 11:03:38 pmIts a gimmick in this case, its not near your PCB and won't be touching it directly.The grounded work mat and wrist strap will cover all of your issues.

author: analogix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2024, 11:31:58 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on November 07, 2024, 11:13:06 pmGood to know. So ESD measures are really only a concern at close proximity?I was just looking for other (better quality) alternatives to these Duratool fans at Farnell, and lo and behold I found one by a reputable brand:Weller WSA350 fume extractor.Now here's the thing: it looks exactly like the ones by Duratool, but of course costs 3x the price!I can't say for sure if it's the same fan as info on the page is limited (and I couldn't find any info atWeller's website).Like so many other products I'm sure there's one model which is sold under all sorts of differing brands.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2024, 10:37:06 pm
content: Yeah they can all be made in the same factory.ESD measures are mainly a concern in strict production environments, less so in your average electrical engineering department, and probably again less so when working on common hobbyist parts.

author: analogix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2024, 06:17:47 pm
content: I ended up ordering theDuratool D00679along withDuratool D00376replacement filters.The fan came with a EU (German Schuko) AC plug. There was no mention of it being ESD-safe neither on the package, the fan itself or the "user manual" (a small sheet of paper where it said "Both regular and ESD versions are available"), so I assume it's a regular version.I've briefly tested it by turning it on (not yet used it with actual solderng though) and it seems fine for hobby use.