Altoids Tin Soldering Fumes Filter

How to build a soldering fumes filter. When soldering, you want to work in a well ventilated area and try not to breath in the smoke. Some costly filters exist on the market but I will be showing you how to build a small Altoids tin sized filter from scratch. This devise will not work as well as its larger and more expensive cousins, but it will direct most the fumes from floating up into your face. In addition, it’s just plain fun to build! I go through most of the steps within the video at the end of this post except cutting the tin.

Here it what you need!
• Altoids tin or similar container (At least as large)
• Two 9v Batteries
• Two 9v Battery Connectors (The soft kind as the solid kind will not fit)
• 40mm Computer Fan
• 7812 Voltage Regulator
• Small On/Off Switch
• Carbon Filter (I purchased mine at a pet store)

Extra!
• Loose Wiring (you may already have enough extra wiring from the battery connectors and fan)
• Shrink Wrap or Electrical Tape
• Typical Screws, Bolts and Nuts (I didn’t need any as all the parts fit snugly within the tin)

Tools!
• General Soldering Iron and Equipment
• Power Drill and/or Dremel with accompanying bits
• Heat Gun (Only if you’re using shrink wrap)

Once you have collected all together your parts, plan out how you are going to want to fit all the pieces into the tin. Once you have placed down where everything will go you want to begin soldering the components. Remember you want the wire to have a little wiggle room but mostly be tight to the distance the wire needs to travel. Follow the wiring diagram given below.

Here is how I fit all my components together.

When you have finished soldering the pieces together, They should look something like the picture below.

Cut out the filter to the shape of your fan. There will not be room for extra filter.

Install all the components and mark out where you need to cut the two holes for your fan, and hole for the switch: A Dremel will be very helpful for this.

Once all is cut out, Re-install the parts and your done!