Binford 6100 (inspired) Solder Fume Hood With Foot Pedal Control

Here is a COVID-19 project—one that will help preserve the integrity of your lungs. Yes, it is overbuilt but I make no apologies for the price comes in pretty good for so much, errr sucking power.

Advantages:

1. Does not take up workbench space.

2. Flexible overhead positioning and portability.

3. High CFM draw (195 CFM)

4. Nice looking stainless steel carbon filter for the price. It looks like you can replace the carbon inserts later if you use it continuously and burn the carbon out.

5. Design can be adapted for under desk, on a stand, or hung from the wall as I have.

6. Can be purposed for air filtration and ventilation. For example, you could run this along side your 3D printer to reduce fumes from printing.

Disadvantages:

1. The cost is about the same top of the line consumer fume extractors, but they can't compare to this unit. $85-$110.

Assembly time: About 1 hour.

Step 1: Aquire Parts

Parts Needed:

1. VIVOSUN 4 Inch 195 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan Vent Blower.

2. VIVOSUN 4 Inch Air Carbon Filter

3. 4" Flexible Conduit (Must be Semi-Rigid).

4. 6-in dia x 4-in dia Duct Reducer

5. 4-in dia Crimped Galvanized Steel Flexible Duct Connector

6. 2 4.25-in Band Clamps

7. 4-in x 4-in Galvanized Steel Round Duct Elbow

7. 6-in of 12 gauge galvanized wire, 3-4" screw hook with closed eye, closable ring steel ring.

6. Optional: 3M 1.88-in W x 150-ft L HVAC Tape. A perfect seal is not necessary so only use this foil tape if you or a buddy has some laying around.

7. Optional: Linemaster T-91-SC3A Treadlite II Foot Switch. The foot pedal is a nice touch and I included it because I thought the fan would be much louder than it actually is. You can skip this, just don't leave it on 24/7 or eventually you will exhaust the carbon filter.

Total Cost: ~$85, ~$110 with foot pedal.

Assembly time: About 1 hour.

Step 2: Assemble

1. Attach the reducer to the carbon filter using some foil tape and a band clamp. The reducer and filter are the same size so you will need to stretch the filter side of the reducer with an object with a slight cone shape and a rubber hammer to fit. Another approach would be popping one of the rivets to accommodate the fit. Alternatively you can use a short section of rigid 4" duct and band clamps, but if you make the reducer fit its cleaner.

2. Attach the other side the reducer to the fan using foil table and a band clamp. Make sure the direction of flow is toward the filter. At this point you will decide how you want the electric cord to lay and what will be the front/back of the unit.

3. Attach the elbow connector to the other side of the fan using foil tape and a band clamp. If hanging on the wall you will want the other end of the elbow, the intake pointing away from the wall. See picture of assembled unit.

4. Attach the flexible conduit to the elbow.

5. Weave the galvinized wire into the screen of the carbon filter and close of with secure twists. The weight of the entire appliance will hang from this wire, so make it good.

6. Find a stud, and drill a starter hole for the eye hook screw. The eye hook should be at least 8 feet up the wall.

7. secure the appliance hanging wire to a eye hook using a closable steel ring. You don't want it just hanging on a hook or it might come down while you are adjusting it.

8. Position the flexible conduit as desired and trim any excess if needed.

9. Attach the 6" to 4" reducer ( or desired duct attachment) with foil tape and a band clamp.

10. If available connect the foot peddle and test.