Reddit mentions of Aoyue AO486 486 Benchtop Solder Smoke Absorber

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.

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.

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.

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

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'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.

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.