Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • Replies 29 replies
  • Subscribers 101 subscribers
  • Views 771 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Custom Soldering Station

milosrasic98

Hi everyone!

This year, I will be finally moving all of my tools and stuff from the bedroom into a dedicated shop area, which means it's time to make some new custom workshop benches and stuff like that. Since I don't want to have everything built to be fixed to the walls but rather be able to move stuff around, I want to make custom, modular, moveable stations, and the first station I want to work on is the soldering station. To describe the idea closer, here is a list of requirements I would like to fulfill with this build:

  1. Fume extraction hood - This is a must. My idea is to have it enclosed on 3 sides and have some kind of a bigger fan that would get all of the fumes out and, using something like a kitchen hood hose, get that out of the workshop. This is something I really want to do good since I've had health issues from this kind of thing before. Since I won't have any industrial style filters, of course, the main goal is to get the air out of the shop.
  2. Digital microscope - While I've worked with both analog and digital microscopes, and an analog microscopes is superior in many things, for my setup, I still prefer using a digital one since it's smaller and I can pop it up on a monitor. I already have a small digital microscope, which has worked okay, but I also got a microscope lens for a Raspberry Pi HQ camera, so I am going to give that a shot! If that works nicely, my idea would be to attach two monitors to something like a Raspberry Pi 4/5, so I can use one of them for the scope view and the other one for schematics, datasheets, etc.
  3. Tools & Tool Storage - I want to have everything I usually use for soldering right on hand, from power tools such as the soldering iron (currently using the Pinecil V1, love it), hot air gun, and hot plate, to everything else such as tweezers, solder wick, solder, etc. I want everything to have its own dedicated space and also everything to be within arm's reach.
  4. General storage - Have something like an IKEA Alex drawer for common components, etc.
  5. Power management - Since I want this to be a unit on wheels that I can just move around the shop or to a different space, I don't want to have to tackle 10 cables every time, I want a single power cable for the whole unit with a master switch for it in the front.
  6. If a Raspberry is integrated, maybe some smart features like remote power control, smoke sensors?

The main reason I am writing this is because I would love to hear everyone's ideas on what I should integrate and what they would like to see for such a soldering station. I will be covering this build either through blogs or through a video here, so everyone will see how it turns out in the upcoming months!

Let me know your ideas and what are some things that are a must-have on your desk when it comes to soldering and working on PCBs. After this, I will be doing some 3D printer stations also!

Kind regards,

Milos

  •   #5: PDU1015-VM, cheap and complete set of features.

  • I would add a good light source. For me, it's just easier to work on small stuff when they are well illuminated.

  • Add lots of power outlets! I’m waging war on extension cords and power strips at my new place.

  •  Instead of going with a fume extraction hood, try something either to the back or on your non-dominant hand side.  This will make placing the good light source that   recommends an easier task.  Since you plan to use a monitor with your digital microscope, I recommend placing one of the monitors on the back wall of your mobile station.  Looking up is just a more natural movement than looking to the side.  You could place it just above the fume extraction duct.  Do give yourself a small backsplash - so you don't accidently push items off your bench.

  • Clamps and helping hands to hold stuff in place whilst working on it, instead of chasing it around the bench. Slight smile

  • in reply to kmikemoo

       could combine light and fume extraction.

  • in reply to anniel747

      I did think of that, except I favor horizontal fume extraction because I tend to hoover over my workpiece. Vertical extraction draws it past my face.  Not good.  I guess it depends on how Milos solders.

  • in reply to kmikemoo

     Would a flat duct under the lower shelf work?

  • Expanding operations is pretty exciting.  Im not sure it possible to keep everything within arms reach, when I try, things get buried in piles in the heat of battle, to pardon the pun.  

    There are also families of stuff in the solder area. I have a 100W soldering pencil, a USB solder pencil, and it sounds like you also have surface mount equipment too ? 

    Even tho its a soldering area, I always battle with the need to have tiny tools there too : tiny pliers, small screwdrivers, a needle size drill bit, tweezers, a DVM with tiny probes, a tiny caliper, and magnifying glasses.  

    You're on the right track with rolling drawers. I also have a rolling toolbox just for tiny tools.     

    I also use a magnetic wristband, even tho I might not wear it, I keep it nearby so the stuff Im presently using doesnt roll away and hide me from me. 

    image