Facial soldering mask. What to buy?

[Pajarico]

Hi, I need a soldering mask to filter the smoke that comes from the resin on the solder. I have seen many models from 3M, from 7 euro to 30+. They have interchangeable filters. The problem is I don't know if those models are designed for this purpose as they are clategorized for gas, particles, organic or inorganic, etc

Any advices?

 

[Omni]

The link provided below is a high quality mask for soldering, view the link description.
"Workplace applications include welding, brazing, soldering etc..."

http://filtera.stores.yahoo.net/3mmod82n95pa.html


Today, it is also advisable to simple remove the solder fumes via an extractor, the latter would also
eliminate the aspect of a mask which can become uncomfortable.
Furthermore, take the time to search the internet for price along with features that you will desire.

http://www.sentryair.com/solder%20fume.htm

http://www.sentryair.com/solder-sentry.htm

http://www.howardelectronics.com/xytronic/426dlx.html

http://www.elexp.com/sdr_6dlx.htm

http://www.engineeringlab.com/fumeextractor.html

http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog_name=MCMProducts&product_id=21-7960

-Omni

 

[Pajarico]

Thanks. My doubt is that I have always been informed that is not good to blow on the solder joints because a cold welding may appear. Could a fume extractor form cold weldings?

 

[Omni]

Hi Pajarico,

A fume extractor will not cause any cold solder joint problems, the latter is extracting the air away from the solder joint.
True, it is not advisable to blow on a solder joint while it is forming, the latter is also true in reference to cleaning the joint with alcohol.
Always wait until the joint is solid, if you clean the joint with an alcohol brush and hear a fizz you applied the alcohol before the joint formed (solid); simply re-flow joint etc...

 

[Pajarico]

Hi, thanks. I have another doubt: That 3M mask is branded as "NIOSH approved N95", but NIOSH is an american standard and I don't know its European (or spanish) equivalent. This other 3M mask seems similar but it's categorized with the EN149:2001. I don't how well relate to the other. From a description here:

FFP1: Protection against non-toxic solid and liquid aerosols up to 4.5 x O.E.L. (Occupational Exposure Limit), or 4 x APF (Assigned Protection Factor).
FFP2: Protection against non-toxic and low-to-average toxicity solid and liquid aerosols in concentrations up to 12 x O.E.L., or 10 x APF.
FFP3: Protection against non-toxic, low-to-average toxicity and high toxicity a solid and liquid aerosols (e.g. oil mists) in concentrations up to 50 x O.E.L., or 20 x APF.

Which one should I choose??

 

[Omni]

Any of the three will provide adequate protection concerning soldering.

However, if in doubt you can contact 3M EHS Department.

http://www.3m.com/

Select the particular location and use the contact sheet (email).