Fume Extractor Vacuum Attachment With Sliding Screen

thingiverse

Fume extractor hoods and systems break the bank. Clear plastic totes are a steal! I designed this vacuum attachment so I could utilize my central vac as a fume extractor. I'm using it for my lead-free soldering station, which means I'm mainly trying to avoid flux fumes. My central vac is in the garage, making it relatively safe to send the fumes there with the garage door open. It's much better than inhaling them directly. Don't use this attachment near potentially hazardous or toxic vapors/substances! To prevent sucking up any parts and make disposing of unwanted debris (wire insulation, snipped-off component leads, etc.) easier, a screen door can be slid up or down. To dispose of something, place it on the small shelf and lift. This attachment has a 1 1/4" inner diameter that slightly tapers for a snug fit. Adaptors can be purchased for other size vacuum systems (pictured), or feel free to modify/remix. This is a three-piece system consisting of the vacuum attachment, a sliding screen door, and an inner bracket to hold the door. Four nuts and bolts are required to secure everything together. Simply upturn a clear tote, cutting one side out for access, and mark the hole locations on the other side. Drill them and make a 1 1/4" round hole centered within those holes. It's not rocket science – you get the idea. Inserting the bolts from the inside and putting the nuts on the outside will give you more room to operate the screen door without constantly scraping your hands. Wiring up a remote switch for your central vac is a good idea, so you don't have to leave it running or run to and from the receptacle every time you want to toggle it on or off. Use at your own risk. And please use with care and caution. Sucking potentially hazardous fumes into your vacuum system may endanger yourself or others. If you're soldering with lead, consider venting directly to the outdoors. If you're working with any truly harmful materials, don't use this attachment at all. Central vacs are not hazardous waste filters. Don't use this if your central vac is located in an area where any relocated fumes might endanger yourself or others. Ideally, vent to the outdoors.