Post #4017527

2026-07-22 18:37 UTC

If your soldering technique includes holding your breath and leaning sideways, we have a project for you. That wispy smoke coming off your iron is vaporized rosin flux, which irritates your eyes and lungs and isn't something you want to be breathing for years. Our DIY fume extractor pulls it into an activated carbon filter instead, and it's built from a cardboard box, a spare 12V computer fan, a few zip ties, a switch, and a 9V battery. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Make+an+Affordable+Soldering+Fume+Extractor/170836

Replies (5)

@gary_alderson@infosec.exchange 2026-07-22 19:35

@iFixit@mastodon.social too cheesy - people may as well just diy with this, is it supposed to be biodegradeable and flammable?

Open ##4022847
@MostlyBlindGamer@dragonscave.space 2026-07-22 18:50

@iFixit@mastodon.social my trick used to be having a mini desk fan blowing the smoke across to an open window. This is definitely cleaner.

Open ##4209644
@BartV@mastodon.social 2026-07-22 19:11

@iFixit@mastodon.social Super cool project! But 'm stuck at the step where the switch changes. Help!

Open ##4209645
@Npars01@mstdn.social 2026-07-22 19:35

@iFixit@mastodon.social If only more people took safety measures for others with similar urgency. Thank you for promoting the concept that human beings look out for each other. https://www.wired.com/story/cdc-cyclospora-lab-doge-downsized-it-last-year/ https://newrepublic.com/post/213201/doge-gutted-office-explosive-diarrhea-parasite-response https://www.today.com/health/disease/cyclosporiasis-outbreak-foods-avoid-map-cases-parasite-diarrhea-2026-rcna588006 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/parasite-diarrhea-cyclosporiasis-trump-cuts-b3014618.html https://punchng.com/how-unwashed-water-dispensers-turn-disease-reservoirs/ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/meta-datacenter-ai-wyoming-water https://www.sokolovelaw.com/personal-injury/workplace/chemical-exposure/firefighting-foam/pfas-water-contamination/ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/579252/asbestos-contamination-of-children-s-sand-was-a-fluke-discovery-in-an-australian-lab https://www.counterview.net/2026/07/how-musks-war-on-usaid-became-death.html

Open ##4209649
@groxx@hachyderm.io 2026-07-22 20:02

@iFixit@mastodon.social I'm under the impression that studies generally show these very-coarse-sponge filters to be almost completely useless? all it does is spread the smoke through the air.

Open ##4209651