Mini Fume Extractor

By Mark de Vinck
Category: Health, Electronics, Tools, Workshop
Time Required: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

A fume extractor uses an activated carbon filter and fan to remove the smoke, and noxious fumes, created from soldering. The average price of a small hobby version is about $100, but this one made from the ubiquitous candy tin will run you more like $10. This mini fume extractor won’t be as effective as a larger one, but it’s definitely better than nothing, and extremely portable. Remember, always work in a well-ventilated area.

Steps

Step #1: Build the circuit.

I decided a quick mock-up might be a good idea, and I’m glad I did. At first, I thought that running the case fan off just one 9-volt battery would provide adequate power. In the end I decided that 12 volts “sucked” better, and in this case that’s a good thing. The final circuit (at right) uses a simple switch, two 9-volt batteries, a 40mm case fan, and a 7812 voltage regulator. The 7812 takes voltage from the 9V batteries wired in series and steps the voltage down from 18V to 12V, which is what the fan requires.
CAUTION: Wear safety glasses when drilling and cutting metal!

Conclusion

This project originally appeared in MAKE Magazine Volume 19.

Related Posts on Make: Online:

How-To: Candy Tin Fume Extractor

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/04...

Weekend Project: Mini Fume Extractor

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/09...

4 Responses to Mini Fume Extractor

Marc de Vinck on January 27th, 2011 at 5:23 pm said:

Yes, but for what voltage?

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AnnikaSkywalker on December 15th, 2012 at 4:46 am said:

Could you share your list of items? I would be very grateful! I’m having a class of kids make this as one of their first “safety” projects.

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AnnikaSkywalker on December 15th, 2012 at 4:49 am said:

Could you share your list of items? I’m having a class of kids make this as one of their first “safety” projects.

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Ashwin on May 24th, 2013 at 2:26 am said:

Im in India . And we dont get switches with 2 pins like in the video by kipkay. We only get switches with 3 and 6 pins so we are getting an incomplete circuit..If any one can help please email to ashwin221198@gmail.com.

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