Introduction: DIY PVC Solder Fume Extractor

About: Maker, Hacker, Creator? All of the above? Driven in large part by the inspiration gained from other YouTube creators, I wanted to contribute my own projects and stories to this wonderful community. To share wi…

I make a solder fume extractor using PVC plastic

Step 1: Cutting 3mm PVC Plastic Sheets

I begin by cutting 3mm thick PVC plastic sheets into the proper dimensions to make the box. The front panel will have a circle opening for the air to be pulled in.

Step 2: Front Panel With Circle Cutout

I cut this piece after measuring it with a compass. The back panel has a octagonal opening which will allow me to attach the fan to the back.

Step 3: Drilling Holes to Hold the Fan

With the front panel cut, I dry fit the fan. I then drill the holes for the fan on the back panel. Once the fan was temporarily screwed in, I marked and cut out the hole for the power connector.

Step 4: Soldering the on / Off Fan Speed Potentiometer

For this project, I used a potentiometer that has an integrated on off switch. I soldered it to the power connector and dried fit the potentiometer to the front panel

Step 5: Gluing the Side and Top Walls of the Enclosure

The side walls were then glued to the front panel. And then I glued the top and bottom walls. I drilled the hole for the potentiometer and the status LED on the front panel.

Step 6: Soldering the Control Electronics and Fitting the Potentiometer to the Front Panel

I soldered the electronics which will run the fan speed and the LED. Afterwards, I drilled some holes on the back panel which will allow me to screw it to the front assembly.

Step 7: Final Assembly and Fitting the Activated Carbon Filter

As before, I glued some velcro strips to the front panel and stuck on an activated carbon filter pad. I then began the final assembly by fitting the electronics and attaching the fan.

I used hot glue to stick everything in place. Finally, I tested the fume extractor as before by melting some solder flux.

Step 8: Testing the Fume Extractor

The unit works fine however the simpler cardboard unit seems to be more powerful. Maybe because of the larger space between the fan and the filter.