Fume Extractor Vacuum Attachment With Sliding Screen

thingiverse

Fume extractor hoods and systems are expensive. Clear plastic totes are not! I created this vacuum attachment in order to use my central vac as a fume extractor. I am using it for my lead-free soldering station, so it's really just the flux fumes I'm trying to avoid. My central vac is in the garage, so moving the fumes there is pretty safe, especially with the garage door open. Much better than breathing it in directly. Do not use with potentially dangerous or toxic vapours/substances! In order to avoid accidentally sucking up any parts, and to facilitate disposal of unwanted debris (wire insulation, snipped off component leads, etc.), there is a screen door that can slide up or down. To dispose of something, set it on the small shelf, and lift. This attachment has a 1 1/4" inner diameter, slightly tapering 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 incorporating 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 one side mark the hole locations, drill them, and make a 1 1/4" round hole centred in those 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 dangerous fumes into your vacuum system may endanger yourself or others. If you are soldering with lead, consider at least venting directly to the outdoors. If you are working with any truly harmful materials, do not use this at all. Central vacs are not hazardous waste filters. Do not use this at all if your central vac is located in an area where any relocated fumes might endanger yourself or others. Ideally, vent to the outdoors.