I might actually get this now. I suppose if it doesn't suck enough I can always modify it with a larger fan and such... I figure 80usd for a starting point isn't... too bad? I've not found anything similar for less that required minimal work on my end to get it up and running.
Thank you for your detailed review. I ended up purchasing one of these units, and made sure to add the HEPA filters as well. Question, would you happen to know at what point you could visually tell that the HEPA filter is in need of replacement?
Sorry for the late reply. I never have enough time in the week to get to comments. Since using it over a year, I've only replaced it once (and it was actually this past week). The main issue was the carbon filter attached to the filter. It had accumulated a ton of smoke and took a greyish-white look. I tried ripping the carbon filter off to try salvaging the HEPA filter portion. There wasn't anything eye catching about the HEPA filter (besides the remenants of the carbon filter that were stuck due to it being glued on) like the carbon filter but it did smell like flux. That was enough to break out the second filter for me.
Hi I have a question, Im in Europe importing this from the US: can the power cord be replaced and if so is it a "figure of 8" connector on the PSU side ?
I have been using this product at work for almost one year, but now I am worried after you mentioned it is not good for professional use. Does it mean that it does not protect you from the fumes? I do not solder too much though, and I have never noticed smells.
Just a suggestion, but maybe just get an actual hepa filter and use it as your “fume extractor.” It’s going to move more air through a legit hepa filter instead of that dinky thing so will continually clean the air. Something like a Winix. On the high setting it should be strong enough to suck air from your work area if you have the space on your desk, or it can just be an addition to your local area fume extractor.
Update; (didn't feel like editing the prior) It works quite well & shows much promise! I should either set up some kind of enclosure to optimize it or some "Ducting" shrouds around it to block off the back side of the intake. That should increase the CFM of the area being worked within. I don't think I'll need any kind of top hood but it surely wouldn't hurt. The shroud/ducting can be made from cardboard, tape, or foil.. it could be made better but for the sake of allowing me to move it back into my resin printing enclosure it'll work fine. I may still end up getting the above device for the sake of ease and not moving shit back and forth. I know I can add on to it or make something else in due time. I've been surprised what kind of high CFM duct (booster) fans are out there. So rigging up a basic MDF or.. reclaimed pallet wood box could possibly allow me to also add vac suction with a bypass too. In essence, if I wanted to I could make a dust collecting & fume extracting system, if I plan it out right.
Good question. I assume both the carbon filter and HEPA filter wouldn't catch everything but I didn't think to look at the back of the unit. In terms of plain soldering, I've never noticed anything escaping as long as I pointed the nozzle over my work. I can notice smoke remnants on the carbon filter portion of the HEPA filter as well. As for using it with the hot air station, that could explain why I need to keep the unit running for a few minutes after I finished on a project to remove most of the flux smell in the room. It's possible the HEPA filter doesn't collect all of the fumes and passes some of it through the exhaust. This is a speculation though as I don't have a way to prove that. All that matters to me is if it improves the air quality while working and the unit has shown it in the time I've owned it. But that is something to think about, especially when the filter eventually gets worn to the point of replacement.
@@technotard13 Thank you Steve for your response. It looks like a great little unit, Im thinking about picking one up. Im wondering if there are any data sheets available from the company themselves. I might get in touch with them and see. If I find out the info, ill pass it along to you. Thanks again :)
This definitely looks like the best fume extractor on the market for the price range. This review was very well made. Great work!
This is by far the best review out there.
I might actually get this now. I suppose if it doesn't suck enough I can always modify it with a larger fan and such...
I figure 80usd for a starting point isn't... too bad? I've not found anything similar for less that required minimal work on my end to get it up and running.
Thank you for your detailed review. I ended up purchasing one of these units, and made sure to add the HEPA filters as well. Question, would you happen to know at what point you could visually tell that the HEPA filter is in need of replacement?
Sorry for the late reply. I never have enough time in the week to get to comments.
Since using it over a year, I've only replaced it once (and it was actually this past week). The main issue was the carbon filter attached to the filter. It had accumulated a ton of smoke and took a greyish-white look. I tried ripping the carbon filter off to try salvaging the HEPA filter portion. There wasn't anything eye catching about the HEPA filter (besides the remenants of the carbon filter that were stuck due to it being glued on) like the carbon filter but it did smell like flux. That was enough to break out the second filter for me.
Hi I have a question, Im in Europe importing this from the US: can the power cord be replaced and if so is it a "figure of 8" connector on the PSU side ?
sorry i have the same with same material, all smoke go to my noise when i use my air station.
First time i heard someone pronounce it 'Heepa"
Have you tested the smell with the carbon filter? I solder metal and use it to extract those fumes and I can't smell a thing.
Yes, I've tried with the default carbon filter and it acted the same way as my previous bench fan when working with flux.
I have been using this product at work for almost one year, but now I am worried after you mentioned it is not good for professional use. Does it mean that it does not protect you from the fumes? I do not solder too much though, and I have never noticed smells.
I think he was considering people who solder 24/7, normally those are the people who would want a beefier unit
Just a suggestion, but maybe just get an actual hepa filter and use it as your “fume extractor.” It’s going to move more air through a legit hepa filter instead of that dinky thing so will continually clean the air. Something like a Winix. On the high setting it should be strong enough to suck air from your work area if you have the space on your desk, or it can just be an addition to your local area fume extractor.
I have one, I'm actually about to try it to see if it'll work as a rednecked solution. >.>;
Update; (didn't feel like editing the prior) It works quite well & shows much promise! I should either set up some kind of enclosure to optimize it or some "Ducting" shrouds around it to block off the back side of the intake. That should increase the CFM of the area being worked within. I don't think I'll need any kind of top hood but it surely wouldn't hurt.
The shroud/ducting can be made from cardboard, tape, or foil.. it could be made better but for the sake of allowing me to move it back into my resin printing enclosure it'll work fine.
I may still end up getting the above device for the sake of ease and not moving shit back and forth. I know I can add on to it or make something else in due time. I've been surprised what kind of high CFM duct (booster) fans are out there. So rigging up a basic MDF or.. reclaimed pallet wood box could possibly allow me to also add vac suction with a bypass too.
In essence, if I wanted to I could make a dust collecting & fume extracting system, if I plan it out right.
any way of testing the exhaust to see if any fumes escape?
Good question. I assume both the carbon filter and HEPA filter wouldn't catch everything but I didn't think to look at the back of the unit. In terms of plain soldering, I've never noticed anything escaping as long as I pointed the nozzle over my work. I can notice smoke remnants on the carbon filter portion of the HEPA filter as well. As for using it with the hot air station, that could explain why I need to keep the unit running for a few minutes after I finished on a project to remove most of the flux smell in the room. It's possible the HEPA filter doesn't collect all of the fumes and passes some of it through the exhaust. This is a speculation though as I don't have a way to prove that. All that matters to me is if it improves the air quality while working and the unit has shown it in the time I've owned it. But that is something to think about, especially when the filter eventually gets worn to the point of replacement.
@@technotard13 Thank you Steve for your response. It looks like a great little unit, Im thinking about picking one up. Im wondering if there are any data sheets available from the company themselves. I might get in touch with them and see. If I find out the info, ill pass it along to you. Thanks again :)
@@technotard13 Ive emailed them now ;)
There are plenty of more-powerful fume extractors available. You just have to be willing to pay more...
Well, that's the catch isn't it. The idea is to test this 'for its cost'.
Looks like it sucks to me. 👏