Best Fume & Smoke Extraction Equipment
When used in the low-profile (laying down) position, efficiency and air flow is increased by approximately 2.6 times.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's expensive but if you do a lot of soldering what choice do you have it works just like it's supposed to and really beats smelling all those nasty toxic fumes."
"I use this when soldering stained glass."
"This thing really moves the air, without creating a draft, and without being too loud."
"It’s a Hakko, works great."
"Currently I turn it on and off and on and off, whereas i just leave the soldering iron on during the whole session because unlike the noise that doesn't bother me."
"Works great!"
"Works really well."
"It's alright for a little guy not very strong you have to have it up close and personal."
Great for electronics, arts and crafts, and stained glass work.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not a single problem as many others have claimed."
"Good air flow."
"Ok, a bit underpowered but if placed very close to the work will suffice."
"Does suck in and filter smoke, but needs to be close to what your soldering."
"Work as expected."
"Its quiet, powerful, and easy to assemble."
WELLER WSA350 SOLDER FUME AND SMOKE ABSORBER, 120VAC. Fan is quiet and will not add significant noise to the workspace.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I normally dont use one of these on my home bench but since I'm not getting any younger want to protect my lungs as long as I can."
"Our company requires us to use smoke absorbers at our soldering stations."
"This device exceeded my expectations - powerful enough to draw flux fumes away from me while remaining quiet enough to not be a terrible distraction."
"I'm a novice and hobbyist so didn't want to spend a ton of money but needed to clear the air from fumes while soldering my stained glass."
"Pros: Removes all smoke and smell from the room I'm working in."
"The purchase was good, the unit works well, the fan is pretty loud it could be quieter."
"Even if you were to do your soldering work an inch away from the fan, the extraction of the fumes is not 100%."
Best Fume & Smoke Extractor Accessories
The Vastar soldering iron, made of iron plated tip and stainless steel, ensures the quality of the products and the properties of the stability and reliability. Adjustable temperature controlled soldering irons: 200-450°C, there is an special thermostat circuit to control the temperature and you can adjust the temperature according to your need by the knob wheel on the Electronic Soldering Iron. When the soldering iron is plugged in for the first time, there will come out a smoke from the tip end. Use soldering stand and other aids to avoid burnt fingers. Don't pull the soldering iron tip outward and use it in that way, which will shorten the heating element life. Upgraded PCBA with more stable quality: the chip fixed resistor differs from the Color Ring Resistance used on the market, the Chip Fixed Resistor will help the soldering get hot faster and had a better heat dissipation efficiency. Better heat dissipation efficiency: with our upgraded steel-pipe design, the Vastar new soldering iron is more efficient in a better heat dissipation than others in the market,which will help to reduce the temperature of handle, and avoid melting the plastic by heating.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fast shipping, works great for what I needed."
"Generally a fine well-made soldering iron."
"melted after just a few uses i'm very unhappy."
"It looks like it got so hot it melted the threads..."
Best Fume & Smoke Extractor Filters
Size: 12 Inch. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"fits 60g of material, works awesome."
"To big around, wanted smaller Circumference."
"Broke on first use, even placed it in freezer for a few mins before use to lower temp."
"Do not buy."
"The tip to my butain kept getting stuck in the hole."
"Broke 1st time it was use..."
Best Fume & Smoke Extractors
' Soldering Fume Extractor, Number of Inlets 2, Input Voltage 120VAC, Hz 50/60, Max. Price For: Each Watts: 120 Filter Media: HEPA/Activated Carbon Standards: ESD safe Hz: 50/60 Air Flow: 168 cfm Item: Soldering Fume Extractor Height: 15" Number of Inlets: 2 Features: 4-Speed Mode Max.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had been using a smaller Hakko fan with filter that worked reasonably well and at least drew most solder fumes away. It took me a long time to come around to buying this not being sure if it was really worth the expense, now I strongly recommend this to anyone who routinely needs to solder and cares about their health although I can't help but feel the price for extractors as a whole is unjustifiably high."
"I tried every fume extractor in the sub $200 category and all they do is pull the smoke in another direction, and none of them are really even powerful enough to do that effectively."
Best Soldering Stations
Reliable digital technology by HAKKO – Introducing the HAKKO FX-888D Excellent thermal recovery Heater output has been increased by 30% compared to that of the conventional models HAKKO 936·937. Comes with fx-888d, fx-8801 soldering iron, t18-d16 tip, Fh800 iron holder, A1559 sponge, A1561 cleaning wire, manual.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In performing these tasks, I have used "specialized" soldering tips (the T18-D16 chisel tip is standard) with smaller tip mass used to solder circuit boards with small component "pads." And, the temperature at the tip will NOT necessarily be the temperature indicated on the screen, especially with lower mass tips (lower mass tips will be "colder" than the temperature displayed on the screen). Most, if any, soldering stations in this price range don't have soldering tip/handle temperature sensors. Why Hakko designers have the "calibration temperature adjustment" mode on the "UP" button is a mystery. I, like countless others, have accidentally entered the "Performing a temperature adjustment" mode (as the instruction manual calls it) and a "mis-calibration" was made resulting in an inaccurate tip settings incongruent to display screen readings (can be hundreds of degrees off). I accidentally entered this mode by holding in the "UP" button for more than 2 seconds, which is what one would do IF we wanted (intuitively) to raise the temperature of the unit while soldering. Holding in the "UP" button for more than two seconds actually puts you into the "Temperature adjustment" MODE and whatever digital inputs you put into the unit at this point WILL CHANGE THE CALIBRATION OF TEMPERATURE SETTINGS (as opposed to just changing the tip temperature) and the result will be in-congruencies between what the screen shows and what your soldering tip temperature is! One is that you purchase a soldering tip temperature reading device/thermometer that will give you an accurate tip reading at high temperatures (not many "thermometers" out there that will do this). Then you can calibrate any soldering tip to the precise temperature setting the job requires. However this, of course, puts one back at the start with possible inaccurate tip temperatures when using smaller mass soldering tips--BUT, AT LEAST THIS WILL MAKE YOUR SOLDERING STATION USEFUL AGAIN. I don't know why this factory reset information was NOT included in the owner's/instruction manual, SINCE it is so easy to accidentally enter the temperature setting mode to screw up the temperature calibration! For those that need to reset the FX888D back to factory, default settings, here is the reset sequence: Resetting Hakko FX888D to factory "default" settings: 1. (You can now set your temperature at the desired setting and begin soldering!)."
"Solder away to your hearts content and when done simply wipe on a wet sponge and wala, your tip is shiny as new."
"Japanese made soldering station."
"Excellent value for the money, and tons of tips available."
"The adjustable temperature gives you a very wide range of heat for most electronics jobs from delicate to more substantial parts."
"I received a prompt response the next morning stating: "the unit you purchased is a legit unit that was purchased by one of our distributors" and then the rep offered to register the unit for me!"
"This is an awesome soldering station and works for hours on end without any issues."
"I just soldered a TSSOP28 with this thing in a couple minutes and I regret I didn't buy this earlier."
Best Solder & Flux
Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"To get a good solder joint, the parts to be joined MUST be clean! Press the hot iron against the joint and touch the solder wire to the iron tip where it contacts the joint. Let a very small amount of solder melt and get drawn into the joint to help heat to travel into the joint. Then touch the solder to the part being soldered. To get a good joint, the JOINT, NOT THE IRON must melt the solder. The solder MUST "wet" the joint and flow into the joint smoothly. Do not try to melt a blob of solder onto the iron's tip and carry it to the joint. It makes soldering it very difficult, so it's usually crimped or welded.. Copper and brass oxide films will also prevent solder from adhering, so even if you CLEAN before soldering, you need a flux to dissolve and prevent oxidation at the joint during soldering. Trying to protect parts from heat by using a low-temperature or undersized iron will actually result in MORE overheating of the parts because the heat will have more time to travel to the part even if the solder joint is unsuccessful. Do this: Use a good temperature-controlled soldering iron such as aWeller W60P 60Watts/120V Controlled Output Soldering Iron with a 1/16" or 1/8" tip for electronics or up to a 1/4" tip for heavier work. I use 600F temperature tips for 60/40 solder, though 700F might be better for lead-free solder. I have been buying Elenco AmeriKit Learn to Solder Kits for my kids, nieces, nephews, and friends who want to learn to solder."
"I have switched to Kester and Miniatronics branded solder for my projects and have since had a way easier time producing good and consistent joints without using extra flux."
"Works wonderfully for the small hobbyist level jobs that I do for a novice(still learning) solderer."
"That's probably the reason lead solder was recommended to me as being easier to use."
"The rosin core definitely helped with wetting and oxidation problems, and 60 Pb / 40 Sn works at lower temperature than many of the lead-free alternatives."
"I simply applied the Alpha Fry solder over the old joints and suddenly had a smooth, shiny solder joint."
"It's kind of hard the really "rate" solder, because if you're gun stinks, then no solder is going to work properly."
"It's the best for electrical wires, but it shouldn't be used with cold-heat solders."
Best Soldering Heat Guns
It produces 1200 watts and 4100 btus of power with temperature settings of 750 degree f or 1000 degree f. The Ht1000 is ideal for diyers, homeowners, handymen or part-time contractors. General purpose gun for stripping paint, thawing pipes, loosening floor tiles. General purpose gun for stripping paint, thawing pipes, loosening floor tiles.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this knowing that it would be used for many different applications, but the immediate one was to restore the plastic cladding on my Chevy Avalanche which had faded into a dull grey, and stuck out like a sore thumb with the factory black paint. A heat gun has many purposes, tinting windows, shrink wrapping/window sealing, removing caulk, loosening glued on items, and as you can see, automotive plastic restoration, done mostly sober."
"This worked very well to melt a dolls face for a Halloween prop."
"Truly wish I had found this a long time ago! The scraping tool comes w/ different profile tips to assist in removing paint from the many angles / profiles of trim, etc. Care should be taken - MUST be taken bc the end gets & stay hot."
"Not a lot of control over the heat levels (medium and high) and it takes a long time to cool down the gun and the control of the direction of the heat is not as easy as some other guns I have used."
"I use it to shrink wrap all my homemade products. Personally, if you are just looking to shrink wrap I think a weaker gun may be better."
"Used in conjunction with "Anytime Tools 127 pc Heat Shrink Wire Wrap Cable Sleeve Tubing Sets..." Purchased this because enough cables around the house were starting to fray and we needed to re-sleeve the damaged items. Bottom line: Buy it if you need a heat gun, be it for paint stripping or shrink-wrapping."
"I use this on the low setting only so I will not be able to write a review on the high setting."
"This gun lacks the cool down setting (fan with no heat) like some of the others have, turn it off and it stays hot for a LONG time, brush your hand/arm across the nozzle soon after turning off and you'll be burned, drop it from a ladder when removing paint or knock it over on your workbench (very light and not particularly stable) and you might start a fire."
Best Soldering Guns & Irons
Kit contents include Versa Tip butane tool, storage case, soldering tip, deflector, cutting knife, hot air tip, wide blower tip, shaping knife, solder, sponge, tins, wrenches and protective cap. 14-piece kit offers versatile accessory range for: soldering, hot cutting, shrinking, wood burning and area heating.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought the VersaTip for the times I need to solder something outside and do not feel like running an extension cord, for quick soldering of wires as this unit heats up very quickly, and to use the hot air top for heat shrink and desoldering jobs. The difference between this product, the VersaTip, and Dremel's other product in this category the VersaFlame is the VersaTip is more suited for jobs that need more accuracy and fine control such as soldering and pyrography. The flame head on the VersaFlame does not not require disassembly to add the solder tip attachments where the VersaTip requires unscrewing the cage around the flame tip and adding in a metal threaded tube to accept the solder tip but this is not a big deal. Other very similar products. Blazer SI-100CR Excalibur Multi-Purpose Butane Torch and Hot Air Soldering Kit. Power Probe PPSK Butane Soldering Kit. both have a much better case design that locks closed."
"I use the Power Probe brand at work quite often, but with this being cheaper and with the spotty reliability of the Power Probe, I decided on this Dremel brand instead."
"So far I have soldered some jewelry and fixed a light string, both using the torch and silver solder, but I tried the soldering tip and the included solder on the lights and it didn't work."
"The only thing I don't like is you have to be really careful as the exhaust from the tip is like a blowtorch although it doesn't have flame shooting out."
"Does not come with Butane so order that and I am getting him a little work bag to carry versus tin can."
"I've owned other butane based soldering tools before and this beats them all."
"I used this for wood burning to make a set of coasters for a friend."
"Great purchase."
Best Soldering Parts & Accessories
Specification: Working Voltage: 110V. Power: 60 watt. Soldering Iron Length: 7.4 inch. Cable Length: 59 inch. Temperature Range: 200-450℃- (392-842℉). Tips Model: 900M Series. Solder Wire: 60% Sn, 38% Pb, 2.0% Flux. Solder Wire Diameter: 0.039 inch. Solder Wire Weight: 0.38 oz. Package Inculded: 1x Adjustable Temperature Soldering Iron (with 900M-T-B Lead-free Soldering Iron Tips). 1x Solder Wire. 5x Extra Lead-free Soldering Iron Tips. 1x Desoldering Pump. 2x Anti-static Tweezers. 1x Stand with Cleaning Sponge. 1x Solder Wick. 1x Tool Box. Place the solder wire onto soldering point when the weldment is heated to the temperature that is able to melt solder. [8-in-1 FULL KIT] - Kit comes with soldering iron, desoldering pump, solder wick, solder wire, stand with cleaning sponge, 5 solder tips, 2 anti-static tweezers and a hard carry case to meet all your soldering project needs. [USER ATTENTION] - Please do not hang the soldering tips; place the tips down when heating.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Like the extra/different tips, sponge, tweezers, solder, and case!"
"We have a few small electronic devices that have had metal pieces break (one being my son's remote control helicopter)."
"I choose this item over other mainly because of the price and the case, look at that tiny tool box like the case! You’ll find many other sellers have similar item but this one is the tool box case that makes this a great purchase."
"My husband needed a soldering iron to make repairs on his truck."
"My husband swears he can fix everything with the right tools, so I picked out this soldering kit because of the many accessories and the price."
"I am a hobbyist and I fixed my cars PCB lights using these tools and it saved me over $2000 in parts and labor."
"It has literally everything you need for small soldering repair jobs!it comes with a small tool storage box to keep everything together easily!"
"It has a nice stand to hold the iron so you won't burn yourself or anything around you."
Best Brazing Torches
The GT8000 has an anti-flare, brass frame nozzle, for safety and flame control. The torch has an angled head, and its flame range is 1.25 to 5.0 inches. Blazer Products is known worldwide for its original micro torch products.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Another great thing about the torch I've noticed is that it regulates the gas better than any torch I've had, in the sense that it allows you to use every last bit. And as many people suggest to empty the torch before refilling it, you won't waste that last bit of fuel like with other torches, where the flame just slowly goes down to an unusably small flame for the last 10% of the gas. Then wait at least 20-25 minutes to allow the gas to warm up inside the torch; it is very cold and there is the possibility of liquid butane being sent through the nozzle of your torch, which will damage it."
"I've been using it regularly to light my wood burners, and the flame is hot enough that I've only needed a piece or two of kindling - with seasoned wood, I can usually get the actual logs to ignite."
"I've gone through quite a few of these ranging from $10-$35 and decided to pay the premium and boy is it worth it."
"I have dropped a few torches over the years and would be lucky if any of them survived one drop off the table."
"Powerful, reliable, durable, and lasts forever when you fill it."
"A youtube video convinced me to purchase this torch to replace my Blazer Hotshot, which had a broken ignition. My main reasons for purchasing this torch were the powerful flame and lack of a safety."
"Best Dab Torch I've ever owned."
"I've had this torch for over a year now."