DIY Solder Fume Extractor

That's right with just $12 and a 3D Printer you can print yourself a fume extractor for your DIY Electronics projects. This minimalist design allows you to pull hazardous fumes away from you. This project is great for STEM teachers. This teaches some really basic 3D Printing, assembly and soldering as a project. Plus this then creates a tool for your electronics lab! It's the project that keeps on giving.

Flux (The component that smokes) in your soldering work can contain corrosive chemicals along with solvents and other additives that certainly should not be inhaled. While a $12 DIY fume extractor wont completely eliminate all fumes it will help reduce them by pulling the fumes through a carbon fiber filter.

This project also is powered from simple USB power so not only is this very portable, but you don't need a bunch of power outlets and extension cords. Use a cell phone battery charger or a USB hub to power these at a table and workstation. Great for the soldering lab and shows you love to keep our young lungs safe from harmful chemicals.

The video covers all the assembly. If you need help with it please feel free to reach out to our Discord channel which is an online makerspace community for everyone to help each other.

You can find other great Makers Mashup info on our YouTube, Twitter, FaceBook and Instagram if you like projects like this please consider supporting my work on Patreon.

Supplies you will need

• 4 - 40mm or 45mm M3 Screws depending how you assemble it.
• 1 - 120mm Case Fan https://amzn.to/2SRJS6W
• 1 - USB Boost Module https://amzn.to/2SRJS6W
• 1 - Carbon Filter https://amzn.to/2SRJS6W
• 1 - Set of 3D Printes from https://amzn.to/2SRJS6W

Find the power leads on the fan. You need to locate the positive (usually red) and the common on negative (usually black) on the fan. If the fan has 3 wires one is usually a fan speed pin and will not be needed for this project. You can use a 3 wire fan and just use the two leads.

Using a multi meter and a usb cable to power the module check the two output solder pads for voltage. Turn the adjustment screw on the boost module until the meter reads 12.0 volts.

Slide the fan wires through the cover and then solder the leads onto the boost module.

Take the 3D Printed fan intake and your filter should fit right into the intake. Use a razor to trim the filter if it is too big but this should not be required.

Poke holes through the filter with the screw so the screw will guide through the filter on the next step.

Now using the 4 screws, attach the front filter guard. This will go through the holes you just created in the previous step.

Attach the fan with the air flow pointed in the direction of the back. Turn on the fan if necessary by plugging into a USB power source. The fan should be sucking from the filter.

If you want a rear guard attach it now, you'll need the longer 45mm screws.

Now simply attach the feet by screwing the screw directly into the hole on the 3D Print. It will take a little effort to get started but the holes are designed to tap an M3 screw.

Finally power it up with a USB 5v power source and the fan should now suck your solder fumes away from you and through the carbon filter.

Some tips

• Solder closer to the fan for better results.
• The fan will stand on any side so it can easily be placed on any flat surface
• If you elevate the fan it will give you more space to work and still be effective. Try using two electronics helping hands!
• Print one for yourself and one for a STEM teacher! Give back to educators.