For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m extremely excited to discuss the @hakkousa FA-430 Smoke & Fume Extraction System. One of my goals for 2019 is to have more conversations about improving our health in the studio. I realized that although this system is an investment, it was time to step my game up! This HAKKO unit is very light (7.5 pounds) which I like because it’s easy to move around. I have one duct but it does have the option of using two. It features three suction speeds and if you watch my videos you can get an idea of how loud they are, I like how quiet the loudest setting is, If I needed to speak over it or have it on for longer periods it doesn’t bother me! The best feature of this system is its HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air, is a designation used to describe filters that are able to trap 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns). It captures dangerous solder fumes (along with any other chemical, patina, white out etc. fumes) and actually RETURNS CLEAN PURIFIED AIR BACK INTO YOUR STUDIO 🙏🏻❤️ I use it at my bench to collect the dust and debris from various flex shaft bits. I just swing the duct from my soldering station to my bench pin, I do have to say I find myself wrestling with the duct to get it into position but I think this is partly because I have it in a very tight space. This system is a game changer for me; previously I used a 3M respirator with filters but sometimes I wasn’t 100% about using it 😬 The fumes would dissipate in my studio and the dust particles would just settle. While this is by no means the only option out there if you can find a system that does have a certified HEPA filter you will be capturing the most damaging particles. I created an IGTV video (my first 😅) about my new system, if you want to see more. 😄 I am partnering with HAKKO in offering our community a 10% discount with promo code: MetalSmith10 (case sensitive, this code is good when purchased at hakkousa.com only for either FA-430 KIT (rectangular or round duct) one per person.) #metalsmithsociety #jewelrystudio #jewelrymakingequipment #Hakko #partnership #FumeExtractionSystem #FumeExtractor