Question 1

How often do you have to replace the filter with continual use (8 hours a day x 5 days/ week)

Accepted Answer

I don't use mine all day everyday and it depend on how much solder smoke you are generating. Soldering small electronic parts is different than say using lots of flux and soldering stained glass. IF the effectiveness of the filter seems noticeably reduced, change it. By noticeable I mean do you notice the odor of the solder flux more as compared to when the filter is new. A brown residue will build up on the filter but that may be hard to see because the filter is black. One trick you can do to know when the filter is getting dirty is to  cut a small piece from a coffee filter (maybe a 1 inch square) and place it on the front of the filter behind the grill. When you see it starting to get brown, change the piece filter. Don't cover the entire carbon filter with a coffee filter, it will reduce air flow too much. Another trick to make the filter both last longer and be more effective is to add a home made pre-filter made of polyester batting (used in quilts and pillows and available from hobby stores) To use, take a few square inches and sort of tease it apart into a thin and relatively uniform thickness that is the same size as the filter. Just place it in front of the filter behind the grill. The cabon filter only helps to trap and neutralize the chemical in the smoke (and that helps reduce odor) but it is not meant to be a super fine particle filter (which smoke is full of). Having the pre-filter helps remove more of the particles and make the carbon filter last longer. Be careful not to make the pre-filter too thick or air flow will be reduced. I find I can change the pre-filter 2 or 3 times  before needing to replace the carbon filter. Since the polyester batter is cheaper if you make it the right thickness, you can save money AND have a better overall filter if you are will to do a little extra work/maintenance. BTW - I use the same polyester batting pre-filter trick in my aquarium to make the expensive carbon filter last longer and it also keeps the water much cleaner even in a goldfish tank.

Question 2

Will this absorb cigar smoke in a small room?

Accepted Answer

In theory, I would say yes it will. However, we have only used for soldering, and cannot attest to how effective the product would be with other uses.

Question 3

Does it work with 240v? does it have an option for eu plug?

Accepted Answer

The FA400-04 is 120VAC, US plug only. It is available in a 240VAC model, part no. FA400-09. That is a special order (we do not stock it). Delivery is 7-8wks and we would have to know the destination country so that the proper plug can be installed on the unit. Your price is $118.17 US, taxes and freight charges are not included.

Question 4

Does this absorb flux fumes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's why I use it. It does have to be close to your soldering area for it to absorb.

Manufacturer	American Hakko Products, Inc
Part Number	FA400-04
Item Weight	3 pounds
Product Dimensions	10.1 x 9 x 6.7 inches
Country of Origin	USA
Item model number	FA400-04
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Size	1 Count (Pack of 1)
Style	Smoke Absorber
Material	plastic
Power Source	Ac
Wattage	19 watts
Item Package Quantity	1
Measurement Accuracy	9 x 6.75 10 inches
Usage	Professional
Included Components	Filter
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

HakkoBench-Top Smoke Absorber-

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