As an electronics enthusiast or professional, maintaining a safe and clean work environment is crucial, especially when dealing with soldering fumes. While DIY fume extractors can be a cost-effective solution, commercial systems offer convenience and enhanced performance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of a commercial fume extractor from VEVOR, originally designed for laser engraving but repurposed for soldering fume extraction.
The VEVOR fume extractor, priced at around €220 shipped to the EU, boasts impressive specs with an 80W power rating, 180m³/h airflow, and a claimed 99.97% filtration level for PM2.5 particles. Upon unboxing, the unit’s sturdy metal construction and substantial weight (15kg) are immediately noticeable, hinting at its industrial-grade build quality.
One of the standout features of the VEVOR unit is its multi-stage filtration system, consisting of a pre-filter, activated charcoal filter, coarse filter, fine filter, and a HEPA filter. This comprehensive setup ensures thorough removal of soldering fumes and particulates, providing a clean working environment.
In comparison to a DIY fume extractor costing around €322, the VEVOR unit offers superior suction power and filtration capabilities. However, it comes with a few trade-offs, such as higher noise levels (65dB compared to 55dB for the DIY system) and increased power consumption (145W vs. 22W for the DIY system).
While the VEVOR unit excels in performance, it lacks some user-friendly features tailored for soldering applications. The lack of readily available replacement filters and the potential messiness of handling loose activated charcoal during filter changes are notable drawbacks. Fortunately, VEVOR also offers a specialized soldering fume extractor that addresses these concerns, featuring a flexible desktop duct system, multiple speed levels, and a more user-friendly design specifically tailored for soldering applications.