A portable solder fume extractor is a popular “maker” project…there are countless guides from Instructables, Make: and elsewhere. Most use two 9 Volt batteries and a voltage regulator inside an Altoids tin.

In this tutorial we’ll update this classic project with current materials and processes: a lithium-polymer battery, USB charging and a perfectly-fit 3D-printed case.

Placed close to your work, the fume extractor pulls away smoke when soldering. This makes a great companion to our USB Rechargeable Cordless Soldering Iron project. A single microUSB charging cable keeps all your portable electronics tools topped off!

Parts from Adafruit:

• PowerBoost 500 Charger lithium-polymer boost converter. This project requires the 500 Charger specifically, not the 500 basic, nor the 1000 Charger. The case is specifically designed around this size.
• 500 mAh Lithium Polymer battery. Again, the project is very specific to this one size; no substitutions.
• Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch.

Also Required

Adafruit does not stock some of these items — they must be sourced elsewhere:

• 5 Volt DC fan, 50mm square x 10mm deep. I used Digi-Key part #259-1576-ND (Sunon “MagLev” #ME50100V1-000U-A99). Not the cheapest fan, but this one provides a good balance between airflow (CFM) and static pressure (the fan’s ability to move air through filters or other obstructions).
• 2 (two) #4-40 x 1/2 inch pan head machine screws and matching nuts (M2.5 x 12 mm might also work).
• Activated carbon filter: smoke extractor refill such as Weller WSA350F or MCM Electronics #21-7961. Each sheet can be cut into 4 refills for our mini extractor.
• Soldering iron and related paraphernalia.
• 3D printer, or use a service like Shapeways or 3Dhubs.com.