DIY Solder fume extractor

Technology
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.

6 thoughts on “DIY Solder fume extractor

  1. alankilian says:

    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.

  2. chris says:

    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.

  3. rallen says:

    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.

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