Simple Soldering Fumes Evacuator

In this crafting recipe I want to present you with a simple solution to a very common problem among electronic people. This solution uses no filters, so you won't need to spend money or time on changing them. This also has advantage over just soldering near opened window. Even with opened window wind might blow smoke into your face/eyes. And in cold winters you won't be able to do this. Also the cost is very low compared to similar commercially available solutions.

• Corrugated Ventilation Pipe PUR 120 mm 0.4 mm → I managed to find it just for $17.11 for 2 m. Choose length depending on distance from your window to your table. If you have different diameter PC fans lying around, choose pipe diameter accordingly. Check out last photo for how the pipe should look like
• 3x 120 mm PC case fans → Many people should have this lying around from old PC's cooling (like in my case), but you can buy the most cheap ones you could find, noise/quality does not really matter here much. Lets say you found $3 fans on AliExpress, so $9 in total
• 12 V 500 mA (at least) Power Supply → Again, like me, you might already have suitable power supply. You won't even need it constantly, so you could use it for other purposes while not soldering. Alternatively grab one for like $2 on Ali

Total $28.11 at max, just $17.11 in case you only need pipe. Compare this to $80+ for even the simplest commercial solutions with filters!

Tools and optional parts

• Soldering Iron
• Flux Core Solder
• Some heatshrinks or electro tape
• Glue Gun
• Scissors
• 2x 2x1 Dupont housings
• 2x Dupont males
• 2x Dupont females

Use scissors or knife to trim pipe edges neatly.

There is multitude of options you have here:

• Use some strings
• Use long bolts with nuts
• Use steel wire + zip ties
• Use very long zip ties
• etc.

Choose any method that is easier for you in terms of available tools and materials.

1. Cut all the unnecessary wires
2. Twist all + wires from fans with "master" + wire then solder
3. Repeat previous step for - wires
4. Heatshrink or isolate wires in any other way available for you
5. Attach Dupont connectors to fans
6. Swap your power supply's default connector with Duponts

Use Glue Gun to attach pipe to the fans, leaving as few gaps as you can, for maximum suction. If you don't like the idea of using Glue Gun for this, don't like how ugly it looks or just don't have any Glue Guns, you should come up with more elegant solution. I just was in a hurry and ended up using most obvious way.

That's it. Just stick it out of the window, plug it in and you are set! No more soldering fumes! I tested it for a very long soldering session, like 4+ hrs. There was barely and fumes noticeable in the room after I finished. Also, with no "toxic smoke in da face", soldering was much quicker and enjoyable.

One tip for cold winter times. Barricade your window around the pipe with blankets/clothes/rugs to stop the cold from entering and ruining your soldering experience.