Reddit mentions: The best fume & smoke extractors

I've been looking into this space (best medium-cost maker/builder/fab tools) over the past couple of months, and here are my recommendations so far...

• CNC Mill (router) - For doing wood, plastic, and some light metal work, the Shapeoko 3 stands above the rest. It runs around $1.2k with a router included and can cut 16"x16"x3". You'll still need mill/router bits and materials, but pretty awesome for the price range. Note that they also just started selling larger versions (goes up to 33"x33"x3") for a few hundred dollars more. To move up to the next professional level but still on a budget, I'd consider building your own via CNCRouterParts Pro Kits (48”x48”x12”, $8k total).
  
  
• 3D Printer - The LulzBot TAZ 5 stands above the rest because of the range of materials it can print (with a special high temperature hot end) and its build area (11.7”x10.8”x9.8”). It's recently been reviewed by Make as the "Best Overall 3D Printer" which is a pretty high endorsement. It runs a little expensive ($2.2k) but looks like it's one of the best bets if you're looking to get into 3D printing.
  
  
• Lathe - You can get a mini lathe (7”x16”, $1.3k) in the price range you're considering, and while it may be a bit too speciality and manual, they're a great tool to have in your workshop. Especially if you like making round things.
  
  
• Laser Cutter - To get a decent laser cutter (not just engraving, but actually cutting materials) that won't break down, catch fire, release noxious fumes, or potentially blind you is currently around $4k minimum. There are a lot of cheap "eBay" laser cutters out there, but when you start to add up everything and weigh the risks they aren't really all that much cheaper. The two stand out models I've been considering are the FullSpectrum (40W, $6k) and the "coming soon" Glowforge Pro (45W, $4.8k).
  
  
• Electronics - You didn't mention this, but if you're looking at getting your hands dirty making things, electronics is now a pretty crucial component to support. The big ticket items (like an oscilloscope) are now a lot more reasonable than they were even 5 years ago and sites like SparkFun carry a lot of electronic components and tutorials that make it easy to get started even if you don't have much background in circuitry (yet!). My short list would include: a Rigol 50MHz, 4Chan, color disp, 4 probe oscilloscope ($450), a nice Weller soldering iron ($320), a soldering fume extractor ($70), some helping hands ($10), a Siglent signal generator ($360), and some nice boxes to keep your parts sorted ($20).
  
  Now go make some awesome things!
  

It depends what you are working on, but if you are working on through-hole and SMT in the under $40 price range I'd go with a Weller WLC100. It was my first iron and I used it for a long time before I finally upgraded (I still use it sometimes).

The stock tip was a little big for my taste so I bought a replacement (ST7) tip. The ST7 is a smaller conical tip. You can also find these on Amazon, but pay attention to the shipping if you order it off Amazon Marketplace, some 3rd party tool vendors will gouge you!

For the Fume extraction you should buy a fume extractor... heh. Pretty simple. I built my first fume extractor from an old PC power supply, an old exhaust fan, an articulating lamp base, some activated charcoal pads, and a length of dryer hose.

You can certainly go that route and build your own. It's nice if you already have the parts on hand, but eventually it became too unwieldy so I bought a Weller Fume Extractor. You can buy something similar for about half the price on Marlin P. Jones, but I was never able to catch them in stock.

Either way, look around, have fun, and good luck!

Hit up local surplus stores, used office supply places, craigslist, garage sales, estate sales, etc. for desks, tables and the like. I haven't paid a dime for any of the furniture in my shack. The desk was a throwaway from my workplace, the metal legged desk with the amp and tuner was a friends reloading bench that he outgrew, the skinny table with the laptops was rescued from another friends garage. Just gotta keep an eye out for good deals, people or businesses getting rid of stuff, or friends with overstuffed garages.

Ham software isn't particularly demanding. Any decent computer made in the last 10 years is going to run all of that stuff just fine, so no specific recommendations there.

Something like this all you need for soldering station ventilation. They suck the fumes out of your work area into a carbon filter that you replace occasionally.

I have used these:

https://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Benchtop-Solder-Smoke-Absorber/dp/B001RLZGKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482366907&sr=8-1&keywords=solder+air+filter

They work well enough, but because of the filter you have to have it pretty close to your face. That filter limits a ton of airflow. I have also used these:

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-Extraction-System-Economy-Wfe2Eskit1/dp/B00HDSHYGU/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1482367114&sr=8-19&keywords=solder+fume+extractor

The brand I used was Hakko, but on amazon they didnt have it pictured with the hose. That hose makes it a lot easier to keep your ventilation convenient and out of the way and also provides a stronger suction so you don't have to sit as close.

I recommend checking out Circuit Specialists. I have their model 2901 station and it works very well--I have compared it to the venerable (and $80) Weller WES51, and prefer the 2901--it heats faster than the Weller and has cheaper replacement tips.

You don't need a facemask to solder, but you should do so in a ventilated area. If you don't have a ventilated area, I strongly recommend a solder fume extractor. If you use leaded solder, lead is definitely a concern, but even if you use lead-free / RoHS compliant solder, the fumes are not healthy. If you absolutely can't afford a fume extractor (or don't want to figure out how to make your own out of a PC fan and a sheet of activated carbon), use lead-free solder and work near a window.

That wax like block may have been flux.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049774

you can clean your tip with a brass sponge or a wet regular sponge (that's what I use) I've had my iron for years. I clean the tip frequently while using it. It will last for years to come. If you get soldering station like a Weller (this is the one I have) or a Hakko You will be able to change the tips. This is good for replacing damaged ones or getting different shaped/sized tips. To me having a "nice" soldering iron makes it more enjoyable to solder. Also get or make a fume extractor.

I'm a guy, but was still concerned about lead exposure. I have a workshop in my basement, but bought a fume extractor. I recently had a physical and asked the doc to do a blood test for lead exposure. No lead found! I guess it works pretty well.

Be sure to wash your hands after soldering and/or wear gloves.

This is 60/40 rosin core which is also very commonly used and should work fine for you.

I get my blood tested for lead because in addition to electronics I do stained glass and reload and shoot my own ammo... I have very unhealthy hobbies. But the biggest thing is to keep your hands clean and don't handle food after soldering until you've thoroughly washed up. There's relatively low inhalation hazard, but the fumes from the flux won't do you any good either so I recommend a fume extractor like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Remover-Extractor-Prevention-Soldering/dp/B07VWDN29F/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3AH7I6ZNEIUIF

A lot of people build them out of PC fans and just buy the filters.

I have 2 of these on my desk. I only really use the one though while soldering. It's a bit of a pain to deal with in the beginning, but it's great not getting headaches from huffin' solder fumes.

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Absorber-Remover-Extractor-Soldering/dp/B00RLEB6AG/

I would recommend getting a fume remover:

https://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Remover-Extrator-Prevention-Soldering/dp/B07VWDN29F/ref=sr_1_39?keywords=soldering+fume+remover

As well as a tip cleaner:

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-599B-02-Wire-type-soldering-cleaner/dp/B00FZPGDLA/

If I were you, I would either (A) make sure you have a solder vent sucker like this: http://www.amazon.com/Weller-WSA350-Bench-Smoke-Absorber/dp/B000EM74SK/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414620595&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=weller+solder+vent

or (B) request badge access to the labs. A lot of students don't know this but you can easily request 24/7 badged access into the building and labs. That's how I used equipment any time of the day or night for any reason.

Xytronic 426DLX Fume Extractor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZLH4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Wajezb8K3G73J

Even the cheap ones are a huge benefit.

Get a cheap fume extractor and tell your mom that you are using lead free solder. Lead free solder kind of sucks if you actually use it, though.

As long as you are not leaving your soldering iron unattended then there is no fire hazard. I've accidentally left my soldering iron on for days at a time but I've got a good iron holder and a robust Weller soldering iron. Many soldering stations have built in timers.

Buy a filter pack and use it with a fan.

Whole fume setup:

https://www.amazon.com/Kulannder-Absorber-Remover-Extrator-Prevention/dp/B0711LFYJ1/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=solder+fume+extractor&qid=1574818097&sr=8-7

Love the video. It's got me wanting to make one.

I agree that SMT components can be a real pain to solder. Solder paste can make it easier from what I've found.

I would also recommend some sort of fume absorber for future projects. Solder fumes can be quite bad for you. Something cheap like this one will do: http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Benchtop-Solder-Smoke-Absorber/dp/B001RLZGKK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1/191-3889258-7727754?ie=UTF8&refRID=0V2ZWAJQEA5HDKV361CP

Fume extractors with carbon filters start at like $25 too. Here's one for example. That'll get rid of a lot.

I basically just use the fan/windows open method though, or try to work outside - still with a fan to get it away from my face at least.

Anyone like this works fine. I have a similar one. You need to be fairly close to it though. I's say within 9 or 10 inches. https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Absorber-Remover-Extractor-Soldering/dp/B00RLEB6AG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522763202&sr=8-2&keywords=solder+fume+extractor Only $29. If that is too expensive, here is how to make one for $5. https://www.hackster.io/GeekRex/5-powerful-diy-fume-extractor-7dbee2

My enclosure is large enough to keep the 120 mm fan with the filtration inside the case, so the noise is very little, also I put a speed control on it to control heat loss, as for the 5015 blower, that’s 100 inside the case and just keeps filtering the case air. The blower runs 100% of the time. The top fan only runs when I am printing, it turns on by Temperature. (Link below)


AC Infinity, Fan Speed Controller for 100 to 125V AC Axial Muffin Cooling Fans, Single Connector, for DIY Cooling Ventilation Exhaust Projects https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00809BQZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EHo0CbBKRZNA1

LCD Digital Thermostat Temperature Controller 2-Stage Outlet Heating & Cooling - 1100W, -40~248℉, w/Sensor for Fermentation Grow Tent HVAC Equipment Seedling Heat Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8ZLWGG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aIo0CbMKD3W8V

3M Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60923, P100 Respiratory Protection (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEFCKKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qJo0CbARDCREZ

Anewise Electrolux Washable and Reusable Hepa Filter, Fits Electrolux Eureka Sanitaire HF12, H12, HF1 and EL012W Upright/Canister Filter (2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5P4Q7B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.Jo0Cb64SE966

5pcs Anti-static Activated Carbon Filter Sponge for 493 Solder Smoke Absorber ESD Fume Extractor 130x130x10mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVK23NY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yKo0CbFZ1FKCN

Hakko FA400-04 Bench Top ESD-Safe Smoke Absorber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZPSEY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_U9qNDbSQDCMB3

Get one of these

Soldering Fan

Blow big fluffy clouds to their immediate death.


(Note, I haven't actually tried this, but I used one of these to solder in a hotel room--long story--and it worked like a champ).

I am looking for a way to ventilate solder fumes in a room, either through a filter or out a window. I'm specifically worried about a pet cockatiel that lives in another room. Does anyone have any advice on a ventilator/fume extraction device? I've found a lot of lab-grade ones for hundreds/thousands of dollars, but I'm looking for something (much) cheaper, and maybe even DIY.

I used to not care about fumes... but now I feel like I should be extra careful... I found this but it looks like that would be sort of hard to work under.

Edit: does anyone have experience with this?

I just bought a fume extractor from Amazon because I couldn’t handle the fumes, and I have a small child that likes to hang around when I solder. It was only 30 bucks, but you can make your own with a computer intake fan and a carbon filter for cheaper.

Kulannder Handy Carry Solder Smoker Absorber Remover Fume Extrator Smoke Prevention Absorber DIY Working Fan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711LFYJ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lf-TCbXV27F3K

It works wonders, just soldered with it today and I don’t have that scent stuck in my nose, or a sore throat.

Type "solder fume extractor" into Amazon's search.

Do not get a cheap radioshack soldering iron. Get a cheap Chinese soldering iron off amazon. Something with a digital temp gauge. I’ll edit this comment with a link to the one I have later. Their are a couple different methods to this job. Some people get little angled clippers and clip the 4 legs off of the tact switch and then heat up the solder and pull out the legs this method is easy but you risk cutting into the board. The other method is to properly use a solder sucker / solder wick and desolder the old switches. Do not hold the soldering iron to this board for too long you will pull traces. Believe me I did it my first time. Soldering is not that difficult but with everything the more you practice the better you become. I think some early mistakes are using too much solder, you really don’t need a lot.


My soldering set up: Soldering iron

better solder tip cleaner

better solder sucker

better solder (reccomended)

Also if you’re soldering leaded solder indoors maybe think about your health and what you’re inhaling.
air filter

Last words: everything in that kit will get you by just fine. Personally I think the solder it comes with is garbage. I hate the cheap solder suckers and I use them so often I bought that other one. Keep your iron tips clean. This means basically run some solder on the tip and dunk it in that gold wire mesh often. If your tip is getting dark it’s getting too hot and will have a harder time flowing solder. Keep it nice and shiny.