Yet another third-hand soldering aid. [with built-in fume extractor]

Soldering is fun. Soldering is cool.

I remember when I bought my first soldering iron [I was 10 years old :)]. At first it was okay, soldering simple joints was child's play. But as my designs became more complicated, I needed to work around my project while soldering. With solder lead in my left hand and the soldering iron in my right hand, at times I would use my legs to hold the project. I burned my legs. When my legs were unavailable, I would use my mouth to hold the device. It didn't turn out nice either. Once in a while, I made my younger brother hold it for me while I solder. Yeah, I burned us both.

But then I saw instructables about third-arms and I wanted to build myself one. However, the authors use materials which I do not have, so I decided to improvise and make my own instructable :D

Step 1 Gathering tools and materials. [gather, not buy]

For this instructable, I decided to use scrap materials from old projects, so in the process, I can also clear out some junk from my room so my Dad would stop nagging me.

For materials:
1) 4 alligator clips
2) 1 earphones socket
3) 1 CPU fan
4) 2 feet of hard wire
5) 1 power supply with earphones jack

Take note, only the hard wire and alligator clips are required for the third-arm. However, if you would like a convenient fan for blowing away those harmful solder fumes [I personally think that solder fumes make soldering look cooler]. If ever you decide to use a fan, you may also ignore the earphones socket and connect it directly to the power supply [I use only one power supply with the earphones jack as its plug because it is convenient].

For tools:
1) Glue gun + Glue thingy
2) Soldering iron + solder lead + soldering stand
3) Wire cutter
4) Tweezers
5) Pliers

Comments

[razor7177]

maybe the gavial clips would not be enough 4 most people.....or maybe they 2 crack....

[ersin90]

u are right

[flame boyyyy]

And i got an idea of making the fan USB, it wouldnt let the fan be on high, but it would be enough to move the air around. I like USB stuff because im around computers alot, lol

[flame boyyyy]

Cool, Im looking for the stuff to make this thing right now

[Exiumind]

I love it, you simply described me hah thanks for this one

[putty1cat]

Thanks for this 'ible! You have inspired me to do my own helping hands workstation.

[Kirbsome!]

It's a pretty good 'ible, just one problem: The extractor has no filter, but just spreads the fumes around.

[espert92]

Better than the fumes in your face though

[fundash]

cool, I made one out of an altoids tn instead of a fan, it works great!