Soldering fume ventilator from PSU

A broken computer power supply (PSU) can have perfect fan and fine casing to become a soldering fume ventilator. I am not calling this one a "fume extractor" because the filter is kind of symbolic and hardly cleans the bad stuff away very well. The fan does not seem to be able to push air through a thick filter anyway but pet store charcoal filter should be okay - and I strongly recommend getting one. It definately does drive the concentrated fumes another way comapred to coming straight up to my throat as happens without a fan.

Turn volume down before starting video - ugly noise :)

Things you will need:

- A (broken) computer power supply that has a big (working) fan.
- 12V DC power adapter (I use my "lab bench power supply", made of another PSU - old but working one)
- A filter - if you have charcoal filter, great; I will show how I improvised a filter from cotton cloth, but I don't have any idea if this does extract anything or not.
- Some kind of soft net - like the bags in which mandarins or other fruits are sold
- Thin cardboard - cereral box for example
- Tape

- Tools: screwdriver, scissors, soldering iron

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Step 1: Dissassemble the PSU

- Open the PSU casing and detach the electronics from inside. Be careful to not touch the big capcitors connections with your hand, you would not like it. Shortcircuit them with screwdriver instead - keep your eyes covered at that moment.

The PSU I used had a fan that drew air into the PSU casing so exactly right. It also had enouch holes (in my opinion) on one side.

- Keep the PSUs switch and cut its wires as far from it as possible. Also keep the fan wire intact.

- Desolder the other side of fan wire connector off from the PCB.

HICKFARM says: Jan 31, 2012. 3:11 PM

I have an old PSU sitting around that i might have to do this for. Although i don't do all that much soldering.

Great idea though. and well documented.

Libahunt (author) in reply to HICKFARMFeb 1, 2012. 5:02 AM

Thanks. Though the general idea isn't mine, just a variation.

MrJentis says: Jan 27, 2012. 2:29 PM

This is a cool idea. I made something similar to this using old computer parts including the computer case, cd drives and other accessories to make a hobby workstation featuring a solder fume extractor, a variable bench psu, salvaged electronics components compartments, lighting etc. You can check it out here http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Makin-of-a-Case-SafePSU-combo/

recwap says: Jan 26, 2012. 6:12 AM

excellent idea, I'll make one for sure :)
www.apcc.tk

ironsmiter says: Jan 23, 2012. 2:37 PM

I HIGHLY recommend trying Green nylon scrubby pads(cheaper is just fine. you don't need the 4N English Dull brand)

They have pretty decent flow, but lots of "dust collection crannies".

Just make sure to wash your carbon filter a few times before installing, or you may end up blowing carbon dust everywhere the first few uses.

Libahunt (author) in reply to ironsmiterJan 25, 2012. 11:02 AM

I have only seen ones that are attached to a sponge. But I can think of few uses for the rest of the sponge too, so I might try that. Thanks for the idea.

engrstephens says: Jan 25, 2012. 7:55 AM

Doesn't even need to be broken.. You could use the power supply you might have already converted to a bench power supply.

Libahunt (author) in reply to engrstephensJan 25, 2012. 10:54 AM

Yes, that would be quite smart way to do it!
Though I have noticed that so big fans are on newer PSUs only, but a working one is probably "jobless" after all of the computer around it has got old.
But I would sure like to see a multifunctional repurposed PSU. That would be supercool :)