DIY Solder fume extractor

FumesRaph writes "While reading the make magazine blog, I visited a webpage explaining how someone built a fume extractor: Ultra cheap fume extractor. I immediately decided to build one too. I built mine a little differently. I did not want to have the fan right in front of me. Too noisy. Instead, I installed the fan in a closet and use a long vinly duct that goes to my desk. Now the risk of inhaling the fumes directly is greatly reduced." Link.

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: alankilian on January 3, 2006 at 7:07 PM

Every now and then when I'm soldering, there is a little breeze
blowing across my desk. Sometimes from a window and sometimes
from a fan.
Every time I have this breeze, my solder joints are lousy due to
a cold soldering iron tip. I use a very sharp tip to do surfacemount
parts, and it cools extremly fast when in a breeze.
So, if you build one of these ahd have problems soldering, turn
it off and see if that helps.
Others in the Twin Cities Robotics Group have had
this problem also, so be careful out there.


Posted by: chris on April 23, 2008 at 10:54 AM

soldering ease

in response to alankilian:

I'd much rather encounter temporary problems with my soldering joints (which can be addressed and minimized), than encounter permanent problems with my health.

The suggestion that one turn off his ventilation system so as to achieve better soldering conditions is irresponsible and _stupid_.

Your surface temperature is affected by the combination of heat generated, and heat dissipated. If your heat dissipation goes up, then increase your heat generated to compensate. Do not attempt to reduce heat dissipation at the expense of your health.

In otherwords, if your ventilation system causes an inconvenient cooling of your soldering tip, then simply purchase a more powerful soldering device and adjust your power appropriately.

Remember to use only these settings with the same fan settings you used while determining them, or you may risk exceeding temperature limits.


Posted by: rallen on March 24, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Block the work area from the direct breeze...

If you're concerned about cold-solder joints but don't want to turn off your' fume extractor (I hate breathing fumes, especially since I quit smoking) just put a small, temporary wind-block around your work. A torn paper cup, or a piece of cardboard or tin foil held in a third-hand should do the trick. A fume extractor shouldn't be moving enough air that it's affecting your soldering. If it is you need to find a way to adjust the fan speed.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!


CRAFT Maker Shed Maker Faire MAKE television
Holiday Gift Guides from MAKE
Gifts for Dads
Science and Chemistry
Gifts Under $20
More guides: Santa Claus Machines, Geek Toys for Grown Up Girls & Boys


Check out all of the episodes of Make: television

Alex Rider Dream Gadget Contest
Make: Science Room

Connect with MAKE

Be a MAKE fan on Facebook MAKE on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE!
MAKE on Twitter MAKE on Twitter
Follow our MAKE tweets!
MAKE Flickr Pool MAKE on Flickr
Join our MAKE Flickr Pool!
    make_tips on Twitter




    Maker SHED

    Advertise here with FM.

    Why advertise on MAKE?
    Read what folks are saying about us!

    Click here to advertise on MAKE!



    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Make: Online authors!

    Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
    Senior Editor


    Phillip TorronePhillip Torrone
    Senior Editor
    | AIM | Twitter


    Becky SternBecky Stern
    Associate Editor
    | AIM | Twitter


    Marc de VinckMarc de Vinck
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    John ParkJohn Park
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Sean RaganSean Ragan
    Contributing Writer
    | Twitter


    Matt MetsMatt Mets
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter


    Dale DoughertyDale Dougherty
    Editor & Publisher
    | Twitter


    Shawn ConnallyShawn Connally
    Managing Editor
    | Twitter


    Goli MohammadiGoli Mohammadi
    Associate Managing Editor

    Kip KayKip Kay
    Weekend Projects
    | AIM | Twitter


    Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter

    Adam FlahertyAdam Flaherty
    Contributing Writer
    | AIM | Twitter



    More contributors: Mark Frauenfelder (Editor-in-Chief, MAKE magazine), Kipp Bradford (Technical Consultant/Writer), Chris Connors (Education), Diana Eng (Guest Author), Peter Horvath (Intern), Brian Jepson (O'Reilly Media), Robert Bruce Thompson (Science Room)

    Suggest a Site!

    Current Podcast

    itunesdl.gif Weekend Project: Beetlebot Simple robot from your parts bin that avoids obstacles. Thanks go to Jerome Demers for the original article in MAKE, Volume 12. To download the Beetlebot video, click here or subscribe in iTunes. Check out the complete Beetlebot article... More...

    Get the Make: Online sent via email
    Enter your email to receive Make: Online each day:



    MAKE Fascination video series brought to you by Dow

    Make: Education
    MAKE: en EspaƱol MAKE: Japan
    Important please read


    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog