Soldering Smoke: How Does Everyone Deal With It? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheRuler8510
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 12:54:43 pm
content: I thought I would ask what other folks do to deal with smoke generated by soldering flux.In my case I solder in an unventilated basement, and although I use a small Weller fan with a carbon filter, it hardly seems adequate. The odor (and coating of my lungs) seems to go on for days even though I have a $300 room air filter and a Ionic Breeze nearby. I am starting to think I may need to take more advance measures like build a fume exhaust extraction contraption.Any ideas out there to share?Thanks,

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 01:04:16 pm
content: actually it's not safe in a not ventilated room, it would be better to have a window or at least some kind of ventilation.the small fume extractor filters might help a bit, but it's still far from ideal.under such a conditions i would go for a kitchen fume extractor with a fan and tubing routed to outside and install it above the bench where you solder.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 01:08:59 pm
content: I can speak only from a hobbyist POV, if you are doing some serious stuff, look elsewhere, please!Low cost - hold your breath while soldering (not joking :-p)Medium cost - get a small fan (e.g. from a PC) and let it blow over your workspace. Alternatively, turn it around and have it suck the fumes away from you. Cheap and easy.Expensive - buy a fume extractor, they start around 30EUR on eBay, but they are usually noisy and the filters need replacing. Unless you do hours of soldering every day, I wouldn't bother.Of course, having a decent ventilation in the room is required - even an expensive fume extractor is of no use if the extracted smoke has nowhere to go! If you don't have a window you can open every once in a while, then it is better to either move your bench elsewhere or install a ventilation system first.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 01:43:39 pm
content: The fumes need somewhere to go that's outside the room. Circulating them round the room with a fan won't help, you'll just breathe them in at a lower concentration over a longer time period.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 02:02:01 pm
content: The hardware available for clothes-dryer venting (flexible hose, couplers, exterior vent, etc.) would seem ideal for the kind of small-scale fume extraction one would need for hand soldering. Along with a 100mm (4 inch) "muffin fan" to move the air. If you already have that Weller fan, perhaps simply venting its discharge to the outside would be a practical solution.I concur with AndyC_772. Simply recirculating it around a sealed room seems silly. Especially if it affects you that profoundly.

author: Arp
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 02:27:45 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on June 09, 2014, 01:43:39 pmWouldn't the particles stick to the walls, ceiling etc or fall onto the floor when cooling down? Can't see how it would be circulating forever waiting for you to breath it in?

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:16:18 pm
content: Add nicotine, it's cheaper than cigarettes.

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:32:10 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on June 09, 2014, 03:16:18 pmthat sounds like a business-plan, develop a nicotine solder flux - you don't have to buy cigarettes anymore.. just keep soldering

author: FrankBuss
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:49:31 pm
content: A professional solution would be this:http://www.ersa.com/art-ersa-ea-55-i-805-4913.htmlNeeds no outside ventilation, but it costs EUR 800. I'm using this:http://www.reichelt.de/Loetdampfabsaugung/FXF-11/3//index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=4135&ARTICLE=8078&SHOW=1&OFFSET=16&Still expensive, but works reasonable well. I'm not sensitive to solder fume, but I figured it might be better for my health to use it.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:58:23 pm
content: I have a 120mm pc fan with a nexus beamair on a few batteries.Creates a steady compact stream of air you can put anywhere on your workspace to blow away smoke.And I usually open the window, if it's not too cold outside.http://www.nxstek.com/NXS-nexus-beamair-airguider.htm

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 03:59:10 pm
content: or just buy a cheapo <100Eur kitchen fume extractor with integrated fan and connect a 100mm flex hose/tube to it and route it to the outside of the building (or connect it to a UNUSED chimney if there is any)

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 04:09:09 pm
content: I just close my eyes if and when they start to sting and stop soldering and keep them closed until the stinging stops.I'm 66 and been soldering most of my life, but of course not every day and not for long continuous periods, maybe a couple of times a month for an hour at a time or so.I'm not recommending to not take soldering fume protection measures, but I've never taken any special precautions as a DIY hobbyist. YMMV.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 04:36:32 pm
content: My practice, experience and age are essentially identical to Retrolefty's.But many people are hyper-sensitive to various environmental things (including solder rosin fumes).Recirculating fumes that you are known to be sensitive to just makes no sense. Exhaust them to the outdoors.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 06:17:24 pm
content: I have found the wisp of flux fumes that rises from the joint is almost magnetically attracted to my face. My first cure for this is to have a small, low speed fan blowing gently sideways across the work so it moves the fumes away and they don't come towards me. The second part is to work in a large, ventilated space. You must have outside ventilation whenever fumes are being produced, whether solder fumes, solvent fumes, paint fumes, or anything like that. I think you should look into an extractor fan and ducting, perhaps a bathroom extractor or kitchen extractor leading to the outside.One important thing about the "small Weller fan". Small fans only work effectively when blowing. They are nearly useless when sucking. So to avoid smoke in your nose, eyes and lungs, make sure you have a fan flowing the fumes away from your face. If your basement is large enough they will disperse and natural ventilation will do the rest.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 08:47:02 pm
content: I have a weller fume extractor-WSA-350- that I bought off eBay for $30 and and additional $7 for 3 filters. It works fine, I place it at the back of my Panavise work center and the flux fumes get sucked up without issue. Hunt around and you can get a deal or just DIY.

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 08:59:53 pm
content: Dave could do a video about this !I have made myself an extractor out of a fan from a microwave and a carbon filter, put in all in a wooden box and there she goes, it's pretty quiet since those fans are made to be so.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 09:08:35 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on June 09, 2014, 08:47:02 pmHow well does it actually remove fumes?And do you have a window to help out (outside ventilation)?Though there's a couple of windows in my lab, one is already used (window AC unit in it, and too far away for a vent line IMHO <unsightly more than flow issues>), and the other is off limits (front of the house). The unit you're using would be a lot easier than what I've been considering, which is to DIY a room HEPA filter into a fume extractor (already own it, and it's not being used).Not sure if going the easier route is the way to go or not.

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 09:16:34 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on June 09, 2014, 01:08:59 pmHave to admit, it's what I do at home as well. Inhale before, exhale slowly while soldering. Almost like shooting a rifle.

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 09:21:39 pm
content: I bought one of these for PCB drilling since dust from boards is equally or even more dangerous than flux fumes. Might come in handy for soldering as well?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-airbrushing-spray-booth-extractor-E420-with-extraction-kit-/120891551071?pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item1c25b2ad5f

author: johansen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2014, 09:44:29 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on June 09, 2014, 06:17:24 pmBreathe Deep

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 12:12:56 am
content: I like neganur have the habit of taking a breath before starting soldering the joint and gently blow the flux fume away, you end up with a cleaner board as well,

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 12:43:55 am
content: I was also holding my breath while soldering and I've been doing it this way for years and I'm getting tired of it so, behold, the 555 in all its goodness for PWM fan control.

author: mjkuwp
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 01:24:16 am
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on June 09, 2014, 02:02:01 pmyup, I think this is what I am going to do. In terms of volume of solder, most of my work is done in the toaster oven. I can connect that to the vent and possibly tee in a remote hose for hand soldering.just have to figure out how to cut a hole in the end joint/header at the top of my basement wall. Also have to go through a decorative brick facade.I think it is worth it.

author: TheRuler8510
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 02:57:14 am
content: I just searched Youtube, and found this guy that did a real nice job on a fume extractor; this gives me ideas.

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 03:19:09 am
content: Before you go cutting into things that can't easily be "uncut", know that dual intake single exhaust dryer vent switches exist. Turn a knob, and the dryer no longer connects to the outside vent, but rather, the outside vent is now connected to a second hose you can run to whatever you need exhausted. Makes quick work of solder smoke with something as small as a bathroom exhaust fan.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 03:57:18 am
content: At my previous place I made up a piece of plywood to fit in the window of the lab with a bit of sheet metal formed into a box around a couple of high-flow 120mm PC fans and two inlets for bend-and-stay aluminum duct hose. Unfortunately the hose wound up being not quite rigid enough to stay up on its own when stretched out to my soldering area so I had to hang it from the shelves above and it wound up being kind of a pain. But it worked quite well.We've since moved to a new place and my lab is now in the basement which, while much bigger, doesn't have any windows. I contemplated cutting a hole in the wall to the next room which DOES have windows and running a duct, but I'm a little leery of having to explain that to the landlord since we rent. I have a rough plan sketched out for a carbon filter unit that would fit behind the bench that I think would be plenty adequate (somewhere between the dinky little fan units and the larger industrial extractors), but I may revisit the duct idea.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 04:22:24 am
content: I would say"Suck it up,Princess!",but I must admit the current generation of flux pens contain flux which,although highly effective,does make your eyes water & your throat close up.I've used flux-bearing solder & Liquid Resin Flux in a bottle without any problems for many years,but I would suggest some sort of cross airflow to blow the smoke from this stuff out of your face.I very much doubt it is harmful once it is diluted by a room full of air,unless you are soldering on an Industrial scale.

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 06:22:26 am
content: I also just... not inhale the fumes and not hang directly over the point of soldering so that the fumes rise up to my eyes. Never had a problem... I do 99% SMD though so not a ton of solder fumes.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 06:43:25 am
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley+2 I love the smell of napalm in the morning !!40+ yrs, 1000s hrs and yup, I do love the smell. If it does vother you, or you have ANY concern about your health,pick one of the suggestions offered. They're all good. It's too late for us oldies to care :-)

author: TheRuler8510
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 12:50:38 pm
content: Quote from: FrankBuss on June 09, 2014, 03:49:31 pmFrank,Any idea how the Ersa compares to the Hakko FA-430?Maybe the Ersa is not availabe in the USA anyway, but I'm curious on a comparison.Thanks,

author: jlmoon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 02:16:28 pm
content: In my really small lab space.. 6' x 7' closet..(all my wife would let me have) I have a 8" turbine (quiet model) fan mounted in the ceiling just like a bathroom fan would be, with a piece of flex duct, one way damper and filter that routes the fumes along with my store bought cool air to the outside. That and the potpourri on the floor, keeps the fumes on the down low when I don't forget to turn it on. I have been breathing that stuff since before Apollo 13 and have not developed any serious neurological symptoms as of yet, knock on wood!

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 02:48:41 pm
content: As Lauren Bacall said, just put your lips together and blow.

author: FrankBuss
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 08:30:17 pm
content: Quote from: TheRuler8510 on June 10, 2014, 12:50:38 pmI don't know, because I don't have either, just the PC fan like fume extractor, but looks like the Hakko is very similar, I'm sure they do both a good job. The Hakko model costs less.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 09:45:12 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on June 09, 2014, 09:08:35 pmIt does a good job and I don't have outside ventilation. The filters are carbon and absorb the fumes. Mojo-chan says the filtering on desktop extractors are crap. It may be the case, but for my purposes and budget, it works fine. Would I like an $800 extraction system? Of course, but it's a matter of champagne wishes and soda budget

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 10:28:00 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on June 10, 2014, 09:45:12 pmThanks (wasn't sure the carbon filters did much if anything).And I can definitely appreciate the budget comment.I'm fortunate enough to have aHoneywell unitlaying around to convert (0.3um filtration, same as professional fume extractors) regarding costs. Hoping the mods would only run ~$100, though about half of this would just be for aLoc-Line Vacuum hose kit, so I suspect the actual conversion will run even more. Still cheaper than new, but used may become an option at this point, assuming the filters are still good (or it even has any installed). It's also quite large, but installing it on the floor should solve this (routing the hoses are my primary concern, and would rather not have to cut any holes in the desktop).What you're using seems aloteasier, requires less space overall, and less expensive. Even with all the guts I need already (just need hose solution and build a suitable enclosure).Decisions, decisions....

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 10:52:27 pm
content: I've used an edsyn fuminator at work, they work better than you would think:Kind of expensive for what they are, but far less than the hakko and similar stations. I haven't compared their performance.I've also used one of the weller units and found it didn't work at all unless I held the iron an inch away from it. The smoke doesn't even drift in its general direction.

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2014, 11:10:49 pm
content: Nerull,not sure why is that solder on the base plate? Would that fume extractor tip over without that counterweight?

author: TheRuler8510
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 01:53:37 am
content: Quote from: rob77 on June 09, 2014, 01:04:16 pmRob77Are you skeptical of the safety of using a Hakko FA-430 if it is not vented to the outside?Is it then just a matter of getting some ventilation to go along with the Hakko?Thanks,

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 02:18:12 am
content: I use a 112cfm Delta server fan at about 10 volts, the fan is basically just stuck into about 10feet of aluminium AC type ducting and directed out of the window. Works a treat.

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 02:34:55 am
content: Quote from: M4trix on June 10, 2014, 11:10:49 pmThe base has a built in spool-holder, but it doesn't need the weight.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 06:42:48 pm
content: Quote from: liquibyte on June 10, 2014, 12:43:55 amI have actually built that for exactly the same purpose, but finally it is sitting unused on the shelf. Most fans spin slower if you simply lower the voltage, so I just turn down the voltage on the lab PSU it is hooked up to. Most often I don't even bother with setting it up. It is summer, so I have a standing fan in the room and it is enough to move the fumes away.

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 06:53:55 pm
content: doesn't it build up in the room when you do that? I can understand if you have a garage with a front and back rolling door, but in a house? just a fan, no filter?

author: liquibyte
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2014, 08:13:12 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on June 11, 2014, 06:42:48 pmThis was just something I found on the net as I was looking for a way to hook up a 4-wire fan I had to use for this purpose. I did adjust the pot and R3 values so I could use a 5K 3 turn pot I had on hand though. As far as not venting the fumes/smoke to the outside, I think most of you worry too much unless you're doing it on an industrial level or you already have respiratory issues. I'm with the old timers here, been breathing around it for years to no discernible ill effects. The only reason that I built this was to keep the smoke out of my eyes and so I didn't have to stop breathing while soldering. I'll probably get a lot of flak for this but I've been smoking for 33 years and I'd say that would contribute more to ill health than anything and I'm strong as an ox.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 12, 2014, 09:14:33 pm
content: I have never bothered with flux fumes from soldering not even holding my breath. I do have one of these though for other jobs as well as a welding mask version as I have had metal fever from welding or cutting zinc plate in the past and I don't fancy brown trousers.http://www.protecdirect.co.uk/Protec/Personal-Protective-Equipment-(PPE)/Respiratory-Protection/3M-Versaflo-Powered-Air-System/3M-Faceshield-M-306-c-w-Helmet-Visor/p/M-306?utm_source=Protec&utm_medium=Froogle&utm_campaign=Shopping&gclid=CjgKEAjwn-WcBRD61NHM-uqDrm4SJADrP4tPZIAWWXXLHbgkE5Iy4GNjYrKkR_CV36Ll1UF0Os3gLfD_BwEThis would work with flux fumes you can get various levels of filtration.

author: Dave Turner
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2014, 07:46:08 pm
content: I've been soldering for 50 years and until recently never used a fan or any other type of extract system. Having said that I have usually been in a reasonably well ventilated environment, so used the blow whilst soldering technique.Whilst setting up my new reduced size lab I bought a Blackjack 6000 rework station which includes an extractor attached to the iron. I do find the iron, thus equipped, slightly cumbersome, though not unduly so; it's just a matter of getting used to it. The extractor includes a small filter which may or may not prove to have reasonable longevity.Providing that you are not soldering continuously this sort of system may help. Nevertheless I would, as others have, advise increasing the air flow in your basement. Most basements that I've come across do have some form of ventilation; are you sure that yours doesn't?

author: jay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 10:14:59 am
content: When your lab is your home or your home is your lab and there's family too it's nice to get rid of those soldering fumes. I have been happy with a simple less than 100 EUR DIY solution (it's good enough because my wife says she can't smell the soldering smoke at all any more).Parts used for the DIY fume extractor:- an exhaust fan (inline fan) with 140 / 190 m3 / h capacity (two speed settings), 100mm duct connections- an activated carbon filter (180m3/h) with 100mm outlet- 1 meter of 100mm air duct (flexible type)- 50cm of 55 mm (more rigid type that holds it's position when bent)- a plastic box big enough for both the fan and the filter- a simple switch- some duct tape and clampsThe box resonated a bit so I added some bitume (not sure if it's called that in English) mat that reduced the noise significantly.So how it compares with the commercial products? Well, it's cheaper, uglier and a bit noisier than the 1500 EUR device at my work place. It has only two speeds. I've been planning to make a speed controller for the fan motor but it's quite OK even without it.You can easily get the parts from a hardware store that sells ventilation gear or a growshop (at least in most of Europe).The construction should be quite obvious but I'll post pictures if someone finds that useful.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2014, 06:56:03 pm
content: i rigged a 6/4mm copper tube to the iron's body with electrical tape for now it will be replaced with a proper extraction kit, but for now it does not feel unconfortable for me at all but the black PU tubing makes the whole thing semi rigid from flexible, im waiting for the next paycheck to buy some decent filter material, but for now a plastic housed fuel filter keeps the pump from clogging up from the particles in the fumes, its rated for 65L/Minute air output god knows how much does it suck in with this setup as its an electromagnetic piston type. the fumes goes straight into the tubing without any chance of getting in my face again