Soldering can be Frustrating if you don't have a pair of extra hands to hold the job while you are soldering it ,Here comes into play the job of third hand also soldering helping hand.They help a lot in doing a great job . When I started my journey I had the metal one it helped a lot but it was getting old and also some case it lack flexibility which I need for some projects. I think you will agree to that extra pairs of hands can make a lot of difference.In this Instructables I will show how I mad this awesome Flexible Four Arm Soldering Helping Hand, This is my first woodworking project , so am sorry could not be in details. Thanks to Instructables classes I learned a lot about woodworking.

This project is made for the build a tool contest , so if you like it do vote for it

List of items

Flexible arm http://amzn.to/2k7wreV
AligatorClip http://amzn.to/2l9d4SR

Epoxy Glue: http://amzn.to/2jLzXiH

Spray Paint http://amzn.to/2k7Ljty (optional)

12 mm spade bit http://amzn.to/2kiDbGU

wood glue http://amzn.to/2jYEWb8

Mdf sheets http://amzn.to/2kOYzGA

Indian Links

Flexible Arm http://amzn.to/2kA4ksc
Alligator Clip http://amzn.to/2l4BZL3

Epoxy Glue http://amzn.to/2l4yqVq

Spray Paints ( optional ) http://amzn.to/2l4lhvsYou can watch the video if you don't like to read all the steps. you can subscribe to my channel if you like making stuffs .

Step 1: Cutting the MDF

Now I know many would come and shout, "you should use a heavier base ."

I had used MDF 7.5 mm in width because I had it lying in the space and I don't like the stone base.

You can really modify the project to what you have access with.
I had attached a rough template of the dimension of the cut I did in this project, or you can use ur on dimensions.

This was my first time with a jigsaw so it was not perfect, I will try to be better next time :P

mdf1.pdf
Download

Step 2: Smoothing the Cut

The cuts that came out of the Jigsaw were not smooth, so I sanded the edges first with a 220 grit sandpaper then I repeated the same with a 320 Grit fine sanding sandpaper.This process takes a bit of time but you will eventually end up with a very smooth surface.
Tip Join the both piece with a C clamp and then sand the time will take short and will be more even .

Step 3: Join the Both Piece

After finishing with the sanding process join the both piece together with some wood glue and keep it in place with clamps I had used 2 2" Clamps to keep the things in place. Now depending on the glue cure time varies but my one took roughly 25 mins to cure.

Step 4: Final Smoothing

After the glue cured I did a final sanding to make all stuffs clear before going for the painting .

This time I used only the 320 grit sandpaper.

The sanding also removes any type of glue that came out of the joint. Any glue left in this position will not make the paint smooth.

Step 5: Drill Four Holes

Now to attach the Hose flexible water coolant with the MDF you need to first to Drill Four holes. You will need to use a 12 mm spade Drill for these. You can also use Forstner bit also bor made the job done .Since MDF is soft material it is easily drilled without tear out . If you use plywood it will have tear out .

Here is the video showing how to use a spade video.

Step 6: Painting the Block

I have alot of pizza box lying so I used it to paint the block .Btw do you what else can you do with a pizza box .
https://www.instructables.com/id/Pizzabox-Cycloram...

anyways let come back to the painting

How to spray paint properly

Shake the can
Press the nozzle
Uniformly apply the paint
let it dry
After some time apply a second coat
dry again

Step 7: Preparing the Glue

The arm can go through a lot of wear and tear so I decided to use epoxy double agent glue.
Epoxy is a two-part formula that requires equal parts of resin and hardener mixed together for activation. For best strength results, mix a 1-to-1 ratio of resin and hardener

Epoxy adhesives are a major part of the class of adhesives called "structural adhesives" or "engineering adhesives" (that includes polyurethane, acrylic, cyanoacrylate, and other chemistries.) These high-performance adhesives are used in the construction of aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, boats, golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and other applications where high strength bonds are required. Epoxy adhesives can be developed to suit almost any application. They can be used as adhesives for wood, metal, glass, stone, and some plastics. They can be made flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque/colored, fast setting or slow setting. Epoxy adhesives are better in heat and chemical resistance than other common adhesives. In general, epoxy adhesives cured with heat will be more heat- and chemical-resistant than those cured at room temperature. The strength of epoxy adhesives is degraded at temperatures above 350 °F (177 °C).
Some epoxies are cured by exposure to ultraviolet light. Such epoxies are commonly used in optics, fiber optics, and optoelectronics.

Step 8: Applying the Glue

Now gently apply the glue on the bottom thread and press it snugly with bottom base . Repeat this Step for all the four Arms. Let the glue cure for overnight .you can also apply a small layer of epoxy glue around the joint to give extra strength to the system.
The epoxy bond will show its magic the next day you wake up .

Step 9: Comparison and Future Imporvement

Look at my old helping hand and the newer one it is a Gaint in comparison . Four arms help in additional holding capability. I can easily solder now, keeping the led straight with these.I hope you guys liked it .

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