Soldering in bedroom/dorm room? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: JF Electronics
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:09:42 pm
content: Hello fellow hobbyists;I currently have all of my tools set up in a separate room. However I will be moving soon and the only available space for my electronics stuff will be in my bedroom. Does anyone know how hazardous it is to solder in a bedroom and what fume extractor they recommend. I would like to build my own fume extractor if possible, using PC fans and dryer duct. I will be using lead-free solder with 2.2% flux content as shown herehttps://goo.gl/69gNoZ.Thanks to all in advance,

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:13:21 pm
content: Dont do production work there. Otherwise fine for that 2 dozen solder joints. Just ventilate after.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:25:27 pm
content: The biggest hazard is probably standing barefoot on an upturned DIP chip when you get out of bed!

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:35:03 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on March 10, 2017, 05:25:27 pmJust one more reason not to use those outdated packages.I've been soldering in my bedroom for years and I'm still around to tell the tale. I just air the room out before I go to sleep to get rid of the burnt rosin smell and that's about it.If you're still worried, any old fume extractor with a carbon filter will do a good enough job of filtering the fumes.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:42:31 pm
content: Ouch! Brings back memories of sharp needles hiding in 70's shag carpet.. My sister and her damned sewing machine

author: vodka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 05:51:58 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on March 10, 2017, 05:25:27 pmSo, i have never stabbed any my feet. And that i have the work station to near the bed(Approximately 1 meter)QuoteA few exaggerated, ventilating the room for 15 point soldering. Simply if you have the door a few opened of his bedroom, that is sufficient

author: CraigHB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 06:00:49 pm
content: Haha, feet don't make very good dip sockets. I'm pretty careless with ventilation of soldering fumes. Rosin fumes don't seem particularly caustic to me and I've never had a problem. They actually don't smell bad at all to me. If you want to smell caustic, try doing the aspirin method of removing enamel from magnet wire. First time I tried that it about knocked me out of my chair. I've since abandoned that idea because the fumes are so nasty.

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 06:57:31 pm
content: I understand OP. My "work bench" is a chair with a big board on it. In a few days(or weeks) a clamp stand, with magnifying glass and lamp is arriving, so that will help. I have a desk, but my PC and disassembled oscilloscope are used for them.I should get some boxes, and tidy my room, and use the desk as a bench, and SIT on the chair, instead of the bed.

author: Johncanfield
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 07:06:52 pm
content: I've been inhaling soldering fumes since I was about 14 years old, that was a zillion years ago. One summer I worked on a line doing point to point wiring on ground aircraft radios, there was no such thing as fume extractors back then. Ah, the good old days when men were men.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 07:11:57 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on March 10, 2017, 05:25:27 pmI see your upturned DIP chip and raise you one upturned TO-3 transistor. Oh man that hurt!I soldered in my bedroom for years when I lived in an apartment and later shared a house with a roommate. My bedroom was my sleeping space, den and workshop all in one. Crack a window and try not to huff the fumes, you'll be fine. More important is to wash your hands after handling leaded solder and try not to touch your face. Never eat while soldering either, at least not finger food.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 08:25:35 pm
content: I used to solder in my bedroom when I was a child. Just don't solder on the bed. I did that and almost set fire to the mattress!

author: basinstreetdesign
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 09:12:11 pm
content: Just don't wire up an electrolytic cap backwards and turn it on at 250V. It could take a while for the smoke/acid/paper bits to clear.BTDT

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 09:18:43 pm
content: Keep away from that lead-free crap - the flux fumes are much worse than leaded solder. Lead in solder never hurt anyone.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 10:20:14 pm
content: I'm sure lead solder hurt somebody somewhere, at least indirectly due to lead ending up in landfills/groundwater. I still use leaded solder though, just use a little common sense, don't eat it, and don't dump large quantities of lead in the trash.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 10:57:20 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on March 10, 2017, 05:25:27 pmIs that you Seth Brundle?Quote from: Dave on March 10, 2017, 05:35:03 pmSmall outline and other surface mount parts can be almost as damaging. Instead of landing upside down, the surface mount parts tend to land corner point up like a tetrahedron at least in carpet. I learned to wear at least slippers.

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 11:43:10 pm
content: My worry isn't chips in the carpet, it's little bits of clipped leads or bits of solder off the roll that end up on the ground, under the desk. My doggle enjoys laying under the desk, assisting me in my work. In the past I've caught her chewing on pieces of solder (I assume because it's sweet tasting). Now she brings them to me and drops them in my lap, but I still worry she might swallow them by accident, so I make a habit of running the vacuum after I build something, just to make sure there's nothing down there.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2017, 11:59:16 pm
content: Get a hard plastic or rubber mat to put under your work space so parts and bits do not fall into the carpet. Home improvement stores carry large rubber mats and or search for "office chair mat".

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 12:08:22 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on March 10, 2017, 09:18:43 pmyep from what I measured lead-free solder alone produces more particulate, then add to that the higher temperatures it gets even worse. Wash your hands after using lead and it should be fine.OP: can you open a window when you are soldering? Also get a good smoke absorber (fan with carbon filter), unless you have a lot of money to blow on an industrial fume extractor.This one is probably good but I haven't personally used it:https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-FA400-04-Bench-ESD-Safe-Absorber/dp/B00FZPSEY4/

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 12:14:01 am
content: In very many dorm rooms since the 1960s solder fumes are among the least of your worries in terms of atmospheric contaminants. Between "mood altering" materials, incense, deodorant, air fresheners, microwave popcorn and a myriad of other things your lungs are under constant assault.

author: hopski
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 12:17:16 am
content: I did tons of soldering in my bedroom in my youth, just did it near open window.Not much fun in the winter though.

author: Audioguru
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 02:05:45 am
content: My Weller soldering iron has proper temperature control (not nothing or not just a simple light dimmer circuit) so it heats the rosin it does not incinerate it. I have been soldering with it in my work room or bedroom for 55 years and I am fine. A cheapo soldering iron makes smoke and does not solder properly. I soldered water pipes together one time with a butane torch which made lots of smoke like a cheapo electric soldering iron.

author: Audioguru
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 02:10:13 am
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on March 11, 2017, 12:14:01 amNowadays I need to hold my breath when walking through a parking lot because of all the very strong Mary Wanna smoke there.

author: hopski
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2017, 02:59:17 pm
content: Obviously the car parks over there are much more interesting. All we get over here is petrol fumes.

author: Audioguru
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2017, 12:08:41 am
content: Quote from: hopski on March 11, 2017, 02:59:17 pmWhen I was in the UK there was diesel smoke all over the place.

author: Paul Price
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2017, 02:54:05 pm
content: The real issue is the flux fumes, not the solder. Don't get liquid flux on your fingers, or allow flux fumes to rise directly up onto your face.Solve this problem by buying a Cheapo Chineato USB fan from a $1 store or get one for free salvaging a small fan from an old PC Desktop power supply and then double-sided adhesive tape it somewhere out of the way, aimed just at the right angle to give a breeze that is just strong enough to blow the fumes away from your face.To power a small PC P/S fan, use a 8V/ up to 12-volt discarded wallwart fitted with an on/off switch salvaged from the same PC power supply you got the fan from.After soldering work in winter weather just air out the room and enjoy a splash of cold fresh air. In warmer weather just keep open a window.

author: Seamus16
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 05:29:46 pm
content: Good to have some info on this. I thought the fumes were more noxious than they appear to be. Currently I have been taking my stuff out to the garage but is a bit cold and uncomfortable out there.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 06:32:47 pm
content: I would advise some caution if you plan on working/playing with this stuff for many future years. There's some evidence that rosin flux is something you can develop a chemical sensitivity to (like some oil painters have become sensitized to turpentine), so minimizing exposure (at least using a cheap carbon filter and fan, or an open window) is probably reasonable.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 06:59:40 pm
content: There is a correlation between sarcoidosis and firefighters and residents of pine forests but this is not the kind of thing I would worry about unless you inhaling the rosin fumes after concentrating them. When I did production work, I used one of those big magnifier lamps and wired up a computer fan to blow past me.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2017, 07:01:52 pm
content: Quote from: mmagin on March 13, 2017, 06:32:47 pm+1.If you have a family predisposition to asthma or hayfever, or were raised in a household that frequently used woodfires or wood stoves, you could become sensitised quite easily. Its also possible to become sensitised to skin contact with fluxes - if you are lucky it will just be to a particular brand or type of flux, but if you are unlucky its the sort of thing that can force you to change careers (I just couldn't work on a particular brand of TV - fortunately now long defunct), so its worth taking reasonable precautions to avoid sensitisation.

author: TheDane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 07:45:45 pm
content: If you already have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA13 filter, I would recommend trying it out first.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPAI'm sure it beats any PC fan, at least at filtering the air from pollutants. Beware that some vacuum cleaners are not meant to be running for a very long time, especially if they can not get rid of the vented air. They can often be controlled so the air flow sucks the fumes and not components off the board - though it might a bit more noisy.Do also clean the filters periodically.- and enjoy the heated roomSomething to watch -(Word on soldering and fume extraction by Louis Rossmann)Oh, and a clean room as an extra bonus is also possible - if you can get yourselfor somebody elseto do the cleaning

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 07:54:57 pm
content: I can't imagine trying to focus on a delicate job next to a running vacuum cleaner, unless one is deaf. Make a habit of doing that and you might become deaf and not have to worry about the noise anymore.

author: TheDane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 09:21:09 pm
content: Fume extractor = ToolRight tool, less noise and better performance.Here in Denmark I can go buy various models, and some are quite noisy - others not.Here's a cleaner I currently own:http://test-støvsuger.dk/electrolux-zusoriginb/Specifikationer:HEPA 13 filterCleaning ability, hard floor: ACleaning ability, carpet,: BEnergiclass: EDustemission: AEnginepower: 1400 wattSoundlevel: 65 db(A)Workradius: 12 meterIn other words, and using some web pdf's:65 db(A) is somewhat equal to Normal Speech at 3 ft and being in a Large Business Office room.http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist2/projects/sixer/loud.pdfA new hose that fits the cleaner isn't that expensive (got one for 250,- dkr or around €35) - and all I need to do is add a net to a box which is then used as the fume hood. Easy (Net is to prevent paper towels and other stuff from being sucked away)Building a box enclosure is not a good idea, which I wrote earlier. Shopping around is, it seems

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 09:35:28 pm
content: A $700 Hakko air cleaner and he changes filters each month? Just to shove the same air back into the same room? Nuts!Forget the filter and just exhaust fume air outside (away from solder area). If needed, get normal HEPA shelf unit for $100.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 09:52:40 pm
content: Wow, that's an exceptionally quiet vacuum cleaner. Every one that I've had is loud enough that you have to yell to be heard over it.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 10:02:41 pm
content: Quote from: Cliff Matthews on March 14, 2017, 09:35:28 pmThere are laws about what can be exhausted and where. It is possible he doesn't have access to a legal place to exhaust air.Even if he did, you'd want to avoid doing it in as you suck in air that has to be heated/cooled at a cost.$700 is nothing for his business. A $100 unit might be fine for home use but is not really comparable to the Hakko for industrial use, and it wouldnt have a movable hose that can be positioned in front of where you are soldering.On high the hakko is ~170cfm, and has a massive filter (comes at a cost of course, $100+).

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 10:32:18 pm
content: The cost of reheating air exchanged would be less than the inflated cost of that cleaner and its monthly appetite for filters (and it's healthier too since filters can't get rid of toxin's). While we're on about filters..I have a Bonare Biotech filter unit in my shop. Would its 9kv ionizer (~3m distance) have an increased ESD effect on some components?

author: Audioguru
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 11:12:44 pm
content: I got tired of listening to that guy praise his expensive filter and swear at us ordinary people. I noticed that his filter had plenty of dust and hairs but no smoke stains.Maybe his soldering iron is way too hot and incinerates the flux then the smoke burns his eyes and makes him cough. Flux is not supposed to burn.I was soldering an hour ago with my temperature controlled Weller soldering iron and there was no smoke and I barely smelled the aroma of the melted rosin flux. I don't live in a bank vault, my home has pretty good air exhaust that warms incoming fresh air in winter then cools incoming fresh air in summer. Some cities near mine have banned fireplaces because of the smoke. I hope they don't ban my BBQ.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 11:28:08 pm
content: With that Jersy/NY 'ish accent, the first few F-bombs were quickly forgiven. When it increased, I couldn't help but think how overuse of pity-full words can actually subtract from one's own message..

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 11:33:35 pm
content: My contribution to this topic is that if you must solder in your bedroom please don't do so wearing just your underwear. While it is more of a short term hazard it is health related.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 12:59:48 am
content: Quote from: Cliff Matthews on March 14, 2017, 11:28:08 pmI'm not offended by salty language, but when certain words are overused they do lose their effectiveness. Some people seem to think a certain few curse words are a mandatory prefix and/or suffix to every word in the English language.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 01:34:03 am
content: Quote from: retrolefty on March 14, 2017, 11:33:35 pmShorts do not work much better.I am reminded of the part in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn where Huckleberry is disguised as a girl wearing a skirt or dress which gives him away when he tries to catch something dropped while sitting down.

author: raspberrypi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 02:12:57 am
content: Dorm room eh? The smoke from the bong should neutralize any from the flux. I really like the pine tree smell of the flux, why does it have to be bad for you? I typically just hold my breath when I melt the flux and breath out when the flux smoke goes away.

author: Cupcakus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 06:25:18 am
content: Solder fumes will stick around in your bedroom for weeks, it's also pretty dangerous stuff to inhale or to touch. I soldered so much without a fume extractor I always held my breath while soldering. Now that I have proper venting I still hold my breath out of habit.if you have a window, your dryer duct and PC fan idea will work. I hope you plan to use duct tape liberally too, then it's a true bedroom lab. If you can't vent it outside I would buy a fume extractor instead of trying to rig up your own filtering system.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 09:43:19 am
content: I have the same problem.I always keep the window open when i solder. And yes, In the winter is not funny.When I do long session with a lot of flux i also use an air mask.The big problem is not the ventilation of the room after the session, but the fumes during the work.Hold the breath don't always work, sometime you remember to do it only when is too late.Some day ago I was working on a smd board using a lot of flux, and the day after my throat hurts.I don't know if was due to the cold air from the opened window or by the fumes.But now I've ordered a fume extractor. Just a cheap one, I just want something who blow the fumes away from me.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 10:24:11 am
content: A cheap fume extractor setup can be put together for under $50.You'll need:small inline bathroom extractor fanenough spiral wire reinforced collapsable plastic ducting to easily reach the window from the bencha square grille to fit the round ductFoam draft excluder tapemisc hardware and offcuts of ply or wood to make the window adapterThe fan and duct should be pretty obvious. Put the fan near the window so its quieter at the bench end. The tricky bit is the details of the window adapter, which must keep rain and cold air out, so it draws already heated air from the rest of the building.For a sash or sliding window its just a plank cut to length to fit the window width (or height for sliding) with the grille plate fitted through it at one end. Stick draft excluder tape on the ends (seal them with glue first so it sticks) and sides. Put it in the opening and close the window on it to hold it there. Chink the gap between the two sahes (or between the sliding and fixed parts) with a rag.For a hinged window, the plank goes vertically on the opening side and you'll need two triangular plates, top and bottom + hardware to hook it to the frame and mate with the window catch and its plate in the frame.For more difficult windows e.g. tilting ones, you may have to combine a sash style plank with a rectangular frame holding a clear polyuthene sheet over the rest of the window opening.Would I bother for under an hour's bench work involving soldering per week? probably not. For several hours a day? definitely.N.B.DO NOT USE an extractor system for solvent fumesunless the fan is explosion protected! 12V brushless fans are fairly safe, and you can get marine engine compartment ventilation fans that are rated as safe but they don't come cheap.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:06:19 pm
content: Quote from: Cliff Matthews on March 14, 2017, 10:32:18 pmNo problem that I know of from an ESD perspective. MANY people have reported that ozone created by the ionizer has a horrible effect on elastomers in the area. Things like window seals, capstan belts and the like. Your mileage may vary, but some have lost seals in less than three years.

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:15:00 pm
content: It is well established that solder, and the associated lead, do not evaporate at soldering temperatures. There are as a result no dangerous lead fumes to cause any health effects. Fluxes do have volatiles that can be irritants or have slight toxicity. It depends on the flux type. An MSDS would define the cautions. generally enough air circulation to dilute the fumes should be enough.paul