Using a woodshop air filter as a fume extractor.

[jgalak]

A while ago, someone gave me an unbranded woodshop air filter.  Looks just like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Air-Filter-with-Dual-Fans-115-Volt-0-4-Amp-X2-60HZ-140605-/282255189230?hash=item41b7b864ee:g:-aQAAOSw4GVYKRZU

(which also seems identical, except for branding, to a Grizzly G9955 - http://www.grizzly.com/products/Benchtop-Dual-Fan-Dust-Filter/G9955?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com or a PSI DC725 - https://www.pennstateind.com/store/DC725.htm)

I'm wondering if I can add or replace the filter with one suitable for solder smoke.  If so, what's the right filter?  A link to a source (US) would be appreciated.

Related question:  would a solder fume extractor (either the retrofit above, or a "real" one) filter 3D printing odors?  I print in PLA, so it's not toxic, but my wife hates the smell of the melted plastic.  Advice on filter types for this task would also be appreciated.  Yes, exhausting outside would be better, but that's a bigger project.

Thanks.

[Gyro]

An Automotive cabin/pollen fiter would probably be your best bet - as long as it's one of the activated carbon ones. Alternatively an activated carbon cooker hood filter, an activated carbon one again, the sort that are used in recirculating filters.

I haven't tried either option though.

[cdev]

A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) can exchange polluted air for fresh outdoor air warming or cooling the incoming air with the outgoing. They will actually get rid of the toxic fumes outdoors.

VOC removal is ineffective using most "activated charcoal" filters. That is what i've been told by both scientists and indoor air specialists. Most filters are mostly jst particulate filters because their ability to remove VOCs from air just doesn't last very long. Maybe a few days after being unwrapped.