[SOLVED] Soldering fume extractor

[extreme_noob]

I'm looking to start soldering, and I am looking into ways to handle fumes. I've read that activated carbon filters are really bad at filtering the fumes and particles, but the HEPA filters which can are a lot more expensive. I've also seen people put together something on their own to vent it out a window, which I can do, but I'd like to get something premade and not DIY, or at least something which can be easily and quickly assembled, because I'd prefer to get this up and running quickly. I will be using 60/40 Tin Lead solder.

Could I get something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Remover-Extractor-Prevention-Soldering/dp/B07VWDN29F and attach a duct to the exhaust side? Or is what I read about carbon filters just wrong?

Edit: Looking deeper into it I see there are a lot of other people who say carbon filters are better than HEPA for this.

 

[richiestang_78]

I would vent out a window its by far the safest method.

Box fan+ cardboard to make and adapter and some flexible vinyl vent duct tubing and you can easily make one for around 20 USD.

 

[extreme_noob]

I would vent out a window its by far the safest method.

Box fan+ cardboard to make and adapter and some flexible vinyl vent duct tubing and you can easily make one for around 20 USD.

Would the smaller fan like what I linked work?

 

[JeckeL]

You could place a shopvac or some other vacuum outside, hose clamp extended tubing on to the end of the shopvacs hose running in to the area you'll be soldering to vacuum up the fumes. In order to activate it from inside, run an extension cord from outside in to the room, possibly zip tied to the same vent tubing you're running in to the room, to a power strip and use the on/reset / off switch on the power strip to turn it on and off

 

[extreme_noob]

You could place a shopvac or some other vacuum outside, hose clamp extended tubing on to the end of the shopvacs hose running in to the area you'll be soldering to vacuum up the fumes. In order to activate it from inside, run an extension cord from outside in to the room, possibly zip tied to the same vent tubing you're running in to the room, to a power strip and use the on/reset / off switch on the power strip to turn it on and off

Sounds like a good idea but I would have to buy it and then probably take it back inside every time there is adverse weather.

 

[JeckeL]

Sounds like a good idea but I would have to buy it and then probably take it back inside every time there is adverse weather.

Yea I hear ya =( ...as far as a permanent solution (especially on a budget) for venting or absorbing solder fumes it's gonna be tricky

 

[extreme_noob]

Yea I hear ya =( ...as far as a permanent solution (especially on a budget) for venting or absorbing solder fumes it's gonna be tricky

Yeah. I think I'll go with what richiestang suggested, if that works.

 

[bryanc723]

The carbon is mostly useless in these types of situations. It works well with liquids due to maximum contact, rather poorly with gas due to lack of direct contact. You would need some sort of catalyst in order for the activation carbon to work to its potential. I also second the box fan idea with perhapse some cowling down to your work area as close as you can get it to where the fumes will be without impeding your ability to work.

 

[extreme_noob]

The carbon is mostly useless in these types of situations. It works well with liquids due to maximum contact, rather poorly with gas due to lack of direct contact. You would need some sort of catalyst in order for the activation carbon to work to its potential. I also second the box fan idea with perhapse some cowling down to your work area as close as you can get it to where the fumes will be without impeding your ability to work.

I guess I'll start with a smaller fan + duct then get a larger box fan if I find it interferes with my work too much.

 

[extreme_noob]

https://imgur.com/a/wNNaIjG

View: https://imgur.com/a/wNNaIjG

I decided to do what richiestang suggested but with a smaller fan. I'll open the window and extend the vent tubing to the window when in use.

Thanks everyone.