Task: Purchase a Smoke Absorber for Cleaning the Air While Soldering on Atari 8-Bit Computer Circuit Boards
Needed: Web browser
Time: 5-10 minutes
Introduction
As you can tell from my recent posts, I am doing much more soldering and desoldering to mod and repair precious Atari 8-bit computers. This of course produces smoke, fumes, and odors that might not be healthy. I decided to invest in a device that removes smoke particles and chemical fumes by sucking the air around your solder station through a filtration system. This was important for me because the space where I do my soldering does not have good ventilation. I see this as a completely optional purchase if you do have good ventilation with outside air via windows or a garage door, for example.
I decided to go with the Weller ZeroSmog Shield Pro system because it has both high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and activated charcoal filters, has a nice design that matches my Weller soldering station, a light on front, variable fan speed control, and a rubber flat platform on top where my soldering station can sit (see photo). The platform feature is nice because then the unit doesn’t take up a lot of workspace. I also decided to go Weller since it is a trusted brand, and I could count on the filters would be available when I need a replacement. There are plenty of other brands and options at all price points.
Instructions
Purchase a Weller ZeroSmog Shield Pro system or similar device for filtering smoke, fumes, and odors from the air around your workspace. I paid around $220 for my Weller which is a bit pricey. There are cheaper models in the $50-$100 range. Note that I was looking for one that had both HEPA and charcoal filters.
Replacement filters for the Weller are available on Amazon for less than $20. These have the charcoal filter on the bottom and HEPA on the top.
Note that I later also purchased a Hakko FA-400 and like it better. I use them both together.
Comments
As I said, this is a completely optional purchase. My main complaint with the Weller is that it is a bit noisy. Also, the smoke needs to be fairly close. I found the Hakko FA-400 does a much better job filtering a larger space. I use them both together.