Homemade soldering iron stands. An accessory for convenience and safety - a do-it-yourself soldering iron stand
A soldering iron stand is an indispensable attribute of a soldering installation. It can be purchased at any hardware store or market. However, its cost is quite high. In order to economize own funds, a stand is being made for In addition to the financial issue, its functionality is being considered. That is, it can be used for various needs on the farm or in a production workshop. There are quite a lot of manufacturing options. All of them differ in the complexity of the design and the amount of time spent.
General information
As mentioned earlier, a do-it-yourself soldering iron stand - convenient device, which performs many functions. First of all, it is a protective surface, which prevents damage to property.
Before working with the soldering machine, it must be warmed up. In this case, the metal case heats up to high temperatures.
Soldering iron stand - what is it for?
A high-quality part is necessary for those people who do a lot of work with soldering. To make such a device as a soldering iron stand, no special skills or abilities are required. The process uses simple and available materials and tools. The finished device is easy to use. A homemade soldering iron stand should consist of separate elements. First of all, special containers are provided for rosin, flux and a department for mixing them. Some models are equipped with a box where small parts are stored. The soldering iron stand is suitable for any device, regardless of its power and degree of heating. When making the structure, the location of these containers should be taken into account. Everything should be located so that it is convenient for the master to solder.
How to make a soldering iron stand?
It is not profitable to buy ready-made stands, since they are expensive and small. dimensions, which are not suitable for all types of devices. Therefore, many users ask this question: “How to make a soldering iron stand with your own hands?”
Before starting production, you need to prepare the materials. To do this, you should purchase the following components:
- duralumin sheets, the thickness of which is 1.5-2 mm;
- small wooden beam ok (you can use different kinds tree);
- varnish containers;
- two metal boxes.
Once all these parts have been purchased, you can begin making the stand.
So, several holes need to be made in the plate. Containers for rosin and alcohol will be attached to them. Installation of cans is easy. The containers should be easily inserted into the structure and fit snugly against each other. After these procedures, it is necessary to make a support. It is made by bending the base.
If necessary, each person can make special racks that lift the structure a certain distance. This is done for convenience during the work process. Preparatory work ends with processing the duralumin sheet with a file or sandpaper. Corners should not have sharp ends.
Assembly of the structure
So, let's start assembling the soldering iron stand. The prepared support must be secured to a wooden beam.
This can be done using screws. Next, the prepared small containers are attached. They are attached to the base using special glue or epoxy resin. Many craftsmen also install a small container between the racks. You can store small parts in it that you will need during your work.
From wire
A stand for a soldering iron made of wire has gained great popularity among many craftsmen and hobbyists. It can be made from an ordinary tin can. In the process of assembling the installation, simple parts are used:
- tin;
- pencil large diameter;
- washers and bolts;
- wire.
First you need to make a spring. The first thing you need to do is purchase wire from the store. Some people remove it from other indoor fixtures. It must be thick enough so that a soldering iron heated to high temperatures does not destroy it. In addition, only high-strength material will be used. Ready product should spring back.
Cut the required length of wire and carefully align it. To create a spring, use a large diameter pencil. Holding the wire, carefully wind it onto the pencil. The result should be a tight spiral. At its end there is a special fastening in the form of an eyelet. For these purposes, pliers are used.
The next step is to prepare the tin can. A small hole is drilled in its bottom.
This can be done using a nail or drill. Next, the stand for the soldering iron is assembled. The prepared spring is inserted into the jar and the structure is secured using a bolt and nut. To ensure a more durable fastening, washers are used. This method is quite simple. Anyone can make a soldering iron stand. Its manufacture does not require much time or special tools.
Soldering iron stand with power regulator
More and more people prefer to use this particular type of stand. Its essence lies in the fact that it is equipped with a special device that independently adjusts the degree of heating of the soldering iron. Therefore, the device does not overheat and does not fail. The stand differs from other types in that it requires an electrical connection to function. To make a version with a power regulator, you need to take the following elements:
- copper wire;
- a small piece of plywood;
- transformer;
- LEDs;
- fastening parts;
- resistor;
- wires;
- socket for connecting to the network.
After all the necessary parts have been purchased, we proceed directly to assembling the stand.
First, select the size of the installation. Based on this information, a base is cut out of a sheet of plywood. Next, the transformer and other parts will be attached to it.
Fuse stand
Making this option does not take much time, effort, and also does not require large financial investments. The base is a wooden beam onto which the fuse jaws are attached. They can be of different sizes. It all depends on the personal preferences of the masters.
Benefits of stands
First of all, the main advantage is mobility. Homemade stands are used by people who quite often do soldering, working within several workshops. Such a design is not always at hand. However, it is easy to make. In addition, there is no need to carry rosin and tin separately in different containers, since now they are stored in special jars on a stand. That's why homemade installations They are popular not only among amateurs, but also among professionals.
How to make a simple model?
It happens that you urgently need to use a soldering iron, but there is no stand for it.
In this case, there is no time to look for the necessary parts and run around the shops. Therefore, it is better to make a simple one, but also reliable design. There are many options, but there is the fastest one. The stand can be made in a few minutes. The base will be the usual wooden block, and stands - screws or nails. They are driven crosswise into the beam. This creates a stand on which the soldering iron fits well and holds tightly.
Conclusion
When soldering elements, there must be a stand for the device. This auxiliary equipment It is expensive, so it is better to make it yourself. This process will not take much time, effort, and will also save money.
The topic of stands for soldering irons is covered quite well on our website. How is my stand different from others? — I tried to make it as compact, convenient and functional as possible. Do you want the same? - Please, cut to the chase!
The main feature of this stand is the built-in regulator. It was inconvenient because it constantly got lost and mixed up with another small pile on the table. This one is tightly screwed to the stand, it will never get lost and will not jump around the table.
The new one is better than the old one in that it has smooth adjustment and operation indication. Here is the diagram according to which I assembled the regulator:
Diode bridge - any one that can withstand the mains voltage and the current consumed by the soldering iron. (formula for calculating current - Soldering iron power / Mains voltage) A suitable diode assembly or bridge can be removed from the input circuit of the computer power supply. Instead of a diode bridge, you can use a diode, then the adjustment range will be from 50 to 100%.
It is advisable to install fuse F1, but not necessary.
Switch S1, S2 - Bipolar toggle switch with middle position. In the middle position, the soldering iron is turned off and the HL1 LED will not light up. In the position indicated in the diagram, the power of the soldering iron is regulated by trimming resistor R3; in the opposite position of the toggle switch, the current flows directly to the load, bypassing the regulator.
I made all these changes personally for myself, and it is not necessary to repeat this scheme exactly. There is a suitable diagram you can get from there.
Regulator board:
To cover the insides of the regulator from external influences, I made a plastic body and bent the edges using a technical hair dryer:
We've sorted out the electronic components of the regulator, now let's move on to creating the components of the stand itself.
In order not to lose various small things and store solders, I made a small box of tin, the corners of which for strength:
The soldering iron support itself is, in my opinion, the most successful design. In order for the soldering iron to hold well in such a stop, when inserting it, its center line must be below the horns of the stop.
When soldering, a device is often necessary, but there is no need to always clutter the table with such devices - just attach an alligator clip to the stand, which is secured with a screw:
To clean the soldering iron tip, I use a metal dishwashing sponge, which will be placed in a box with edges made for it:
Stand base - Rectangular chipboard:
Milled recess for rosin:
I crushed rosin from a jar into the recess and warmed it up. construction hairdryer so as not to fall asleep:
We begin to attach the above nodes to the base; further comment is unnecessary:
The fastening of the main nodes is completed.
To prevent the stand from rolling on the table, I glued rubber rounds to the back side:
Well, to ensure that everything is in accordance with Feng Shui, we glue identification badges onto the regulator body:
Modern soldering irons are highly efficient popular tools used for tinning and soldering elements, as well as melting solder and then applying it to areas of parts soldered to each other.
A do-it-yourself soldering iron stand is quite easy to make and makes using the tool safe and convenient.
All currently produced domestic and foreign manufacturers soldering irons differ in power ratings and their design features, which affects the choice of type, size and shape of the stand.
Rod-type models have ceramic and spiral heaters.
The second option is more practical and durable, but has a fairly long warm-up time. A ceramic soldering iron heats up much faster, but requires careful operation and the utmost care, so a high-quality stand can prevent unwanted shocks or failure of the device.
The material for a traditional stand is also selected taking into account the power indicators of the soldering tool:
- 3-10 W models are used in desoldering the smallest microcircuits;
- devices 20-40 W belong to the category of household and amateur radio;
- devices 60-100 W are most often used in automotive services and are involved in unsoldering thick cables;
- soldering irons 100-250 W are used in sealing dishes; they easily solder radiators and other large-sized metal.
The most powerful soldering irons are bulky tools that require especially reliable and strong stands. A convenient and multifunctional stand makes work safe, and the presence of a voltage regulator prevents overheating of the soldering iron in long work with the device.
When connected to the mains, the device quickly warms up to 250-300 °C, so it is placed on a special stand or inserted into it, and then placed on the edge of the working surface.
How to make a stand for a soldering iron with your own hands?
Today, retail outlets sell simply a huge number of a wide variety of devices, including simple holders and entire complexes called soldering stations. Having a minimum number of tools and materials, as well as a small amount of effort and time, allows you to independently make a convenient and practical, durable stand for a soldering iron of almost any type.
Materials
As a necessary minimum of materials for self-made stands can be considered:
- stable and non-flammable base with legs, made of any materials that are poorly conductive of heat and safe to use;
- supports for laying or inserting a soldering iron;
- a special container filled with rosin (flux).
Simple homemade stand
The most popular auxiliary “options” of the design can be represented by a reliable platform for tinning, a container for solder and a device for cleaning the tip.
When choosing elements that are supposed to be used in making a soldering iron stand with your own hands, preference should be given only to high-strength, non-toxic and durable materials.
Tool
The set of tools may vary depending on design features the basics and materials used in working on the design - a hacksaw for wood and metal, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a construction knife, marking and measuring tools.
Simple stand option
The most budget-friendly, simple and widespread, the so-called amateur option, is a design with a metal wire mount for the device. In this case, the conical spring of the holder is fixed on a wooden or ceramic base. Often the wire is replaced with thin metal clothes hangers.
Homemade mobile soldering iron structures are often made from sheet metal, obtained from a broken computer power supply. This original base is intended primarily for use by people who regularly perform soldering work outside the home. Distinctive feature This model is quite easy to use and functional, as well as its compact size and the ability to transport the base in a small bag or a simple pocket.
Work surface stand
Any simple stands can become more convenient if the design is supplemented with some auxiliary elements, presented metal sponge for cleaning the tip, a holder for soldering, containers for tin and rosin.
Stand with energy saving circuit
The main disadvantage of a soldering iron is the duration of the initial heating and the need to keep the device turned on even when performing periodic soldering, which has an extremely negative impact on consumption electrical energy. Among other things, overheating of the device is accompanied by oxidation of the tip and solder.
Thanks to the use of a simple circuit that is installed on the base, it is possible to save energy.
For self-production you need to prepare:
- a diode with a maximum forward current corresponding to the power of the device;
- microswitch having the required current on the contacts;
- electrical socket;
- electric cord with standard plug;
- mains voltage indicator.
The socket and microswitch are traditionally located in the side of the base, not far from the soldering iron.
Manufacturing technology:
- installing a diode in the body of the socket;
- connecting a diode to a socket without taking into account polarity;
- connection power cord to another socket and free diode input;
- parallel connection of normally closed contacts of a microswitch to a diode;
- insulation of the diode and all connections;
- installation of a microswitch on a movable bracket.
The device, installed on the stand, presses the lever part of the bracket with its weight, which is accompanied by switching the microswitch and opening its contacts. In this case, the power is reduced by half, and the voltage is monitored by an indicator.
As a rule, the operation of a stand with an electrical energy saving circuit requires control of turning off the soldering iron after completion of work.
Connecting a soldering iron via a bridge
This version of the circuit helps to stabilize the operation of an electrical device in conditions of voltage drops and surges in the electrical network. In this case, the diode is replaced by a diode bridge with a smoothing electrolytic capacitor at the output.
Materials for production are presented:
- diodes with necessary indicators rated direct current quantities - 4 pieces;
- electrolytic capacitor of 40.0 uF and 350 V or more - 1 piece;
- microswitches or a group of contacts normally closed from the relay - 2 pieces;
- power cord with plug;
- voltage indicator.
Regulator with triac and diode bridge
DIY manufacturing technology:
- cover the contacts with a dielectric cover;
- connect bridge diodes to one disconnected pair of contacts;
- Connect a capacitor to the second pair of contacts.
The operating power position is characterized by voltage supply through the bridge and typical smoothing using a capacitor.
Shape, dimensions and design features models depend on the elements used, and the manufacture of a movable bracket that switches contacts is carried out using a relay, carefully removing the windings and core.
Soldering iron stand with power regulator
A distinctive feature of the design is the presence of a built-in power regulator, which allows you to regulate the heating temperature of the soldering iron.
Materials and tools for manufacturing are presented:
- radio components;
- chipboard sheet;
- high-strength plastic;
- tin elements;
- fasteners and clamps;
- metal sponge;
- rubber parts;
- adhesive composition;
- drill and cutter;
- soldering iron;
- construction hairdryer.
DIY technology for making a soldering iron stand with a power regulator:
- assembling the power control board in accordance with the above diagram;
- manufacturing a plastic blank for the body part of the board using a heat gun;
- production of a tin box with soldered corners;
- making a tin box wire brush for cleaning the tip;
- assembly of a stop for an electrical device;
- soldering a bolt to a clamp as a “third hand”;
- production of a stand base from a chipboard sheet;
- cutout on the base using a recess cutter;
- placing rosin melted using a hair dryer in a recess;
- fixation metal box, stand and clamp;
- screwing the board and fixing the case.
At the final stage of manufacturing, the box for the iron brush is screwed on, and the anti-slip rubber feet are also fixed with glue. back side a ready-made stand.
To make the operation of the finished stand as comfortable and safe as possible, it is necessary to mark the adjustment of power indicators on the device board.
Conclusion
At self-assembly multifunctional stand It must be remembered that the operation of soldering irons that differ in power indicators is accompanied by the display of different values on an indicator assembled according to the circuit for measuring the current consumed by the device. This feature is not always convenient to use, so experts recommend replacing the indicator element in the circuit with a voltmeter, and preferring an assembly like KTs405a to a traditional diode bridge.
Every radio amateur or just a beginner in this business knows how to work with a soldering iron, and for its convenient use a stand is needed. In this article I will talk about how to make a homemade budget stand for a soldering iron.
In order to assemble our stand you will need:
* Chipboard sheet, 18 mm thick, could be thicker, but I think this is the most optimal thickness.
* 4 self-tapping screws 20 mm and 4 smaller bolts.
* Sandpaper coarse-grained.
* A couple of rubber stoppers from chemical test tubes.
* Hacksaw for metal.
* Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver.
* A thin screwdriver, an awl will also work.
* Pliers.
* Iron plate.
* Metal mount from the antenna.
* A tin from an old receiver that covers the board.
* Spring from a fountain pen.
* The soldering iron itself is for testing.
The first step is to sand the already cut chipboard sheet. We sand thoroughly and give the edges a rounded appearance. We bring the blank for the stand to this form. The photo shows which workpiece was before grinding and which after.
Having thought that many purchased stands are so simple that they do not have legs, I decided to make rubber feet for my stand.
We saw through the rubber plugs taken from the chemical test tubes with a hacksaw, making them the same thickness using sandpaper if it was not possible to saw off smoothly.
After that, screw a 20 mm self-tapping screw into each leg.
And screw the leg with a screw into the pre-prepared hole.
Screw on the first leg.
We fasten the second, third and fourth in the same way. We've sorted out the legs, now the stand won't go anywhere and won't scratch the table.
The next thing I did was bend the iron plate into a hook shape, as in the photo.
Using a screwdriver for small parts, I made a hole for two bolts that will hold this hook.
We tighten the bolts, as we can see the hook holds well.
Let's try on how the soldering iron will sit.
Using pliers, bend one edge of the hook, it should look something like this.
So, the heating part of the soldering iron is not going anywhere now, so let’s move on to the back of the soldering iron, or rather to the handle.
I decided to make this holder from an antenna mount that had been lying around for a long time; there are already holes there.
There is also a recess where the soldering iron handle fits well.
We fasten this mount with two screws.
And now the soldering place, since the tin needs to be taken from somewhere, for convenience we will make it closer to the soldering iron tip.
I punched a hole in the record that I took out of the radio and screwed a bolt into it; it firmly pressed it to the stand.
From ballpoint pen, which had just ended, I removed the spring and decided to put it on our hook, first I bent one end of it, then I made a hole with a screwdriver in the board of the stand and inserted this end of the spring there, and soldered it to the hook at the top.
The stand is almost ready, the next thing I did was melt the tin at the soldering site, now, if necessary, I can heat this place and tin the wires there.
The main tool for a home radio amateur is a soldering iron. Unlike other devices, it cannot simply be placed on a table (workbench) while working. Why? Right! He is hot. Therefore, you will need a special stand.
- 1 Minimum Required for stand
- 2 Leafing through old magazines
- 3 Third hand - work in comfort
- 3.1 Optimal options
- 4 Stand and power regulator for soldering iron
- 4.1 You will need the following items
There are a lot of different devices on sale, from a simple holder to a whole complex called a soldering station.
In most cases, a soldering iron is needed to perform urgent tasks. repair work. If you are not a professional “homemade” tool, the instrument usually gathers dust in a box on the balcony, appearing once or twice a year. In such cases, many people use the first object they come across as a stand.
However, if you put in just a little effort, a DIY soldering iron stand will look no worse than a factory one. Especially if you regularly make electrical circuits.
Minimum required for stand
Leafing through old magazines
In old Radio magazines you can find drawings on how to make a stand with an economical load switch.
- As a base (1), a board with a selected middle is used, or a U-shaped structure made from a strip of plywood and two bars along the long edges
- Under the surface there is a relay contact group for 220 volts (2,4,5) with large current-collecting pads. The connection circuit transfers power either directly or through a diode. The radio element “cuts off” the halves of the half-cycle of an alternating voltage of 220 volts, reducing it to a value of 110
- Through the rod (6), the spring-loaded (7) button (8) presses the contacts when the soldering iron lies on the stand. Electricity consumption is half as much, while the soldering iron almost instantly heats up to full power. The rod is attached to the console (9)
- The tool itself is located on brackets (3) and (10)
- At the rear there is a soldering iron socket connected to the relay output contacts. Connected to the input power wire nutrition
- Between the posts, usually nailed tin can from shoe polish or Vaseline, for storing rosin
The design is simple, but convenient and effective. If you don’t want any hassles with contacts, we’ll make a simple, functional stand. Again from the experience of Soviet radio amateurs.
Third hand - work in comfort
During suspended soldering, it becomes necessary to hold two parts and a soldering iron at the same time. This is where the term “third hand” comes from. The next review is a homemade stand with such a device.
The materials and tools that will be needed for manufacturing are shown in the photo:
Factory-made parts - alligator clips, decorative candles(more precisely, cups from them), a flexible leg from an old mini lamp and a spring holder. The donor was a Chinese stand for a soldering iron with a magnifying glass.
Although you can make such a spiral with your own hands by winding steel wire around a pipe or the handle of a screwdriver. The rest of the blanks are also replaceable, the homemade product is shareware, made from improvised rubbish.
Using a drywall bit, we mill out the recesses for the candle cups. Two niches for rosin and solder, and one niche for cleaning cloth.
We mount the spiral holder for the soldering iron in a convenient place (not in the center). Practice has shown that this scheme is more convenient than the classic one horn stand under the soldering iron. The electrical appliance is inserted in one motion, without fear of it falling onto the table.
We install aluminum cups in the prepared niches and cut off the edges flush with the board. The use of thin-walled containers pays off when working with low-power soldering irons. How less metal– the lower the heat capacity. The thick walls of the solder cup can cool the small soldering iron tip when touched. On the contrary, thin aluminum foil surrounded by wood retains heat.
We crimp the “crocodiles” onto the flexible rod and secure the “third arm” to the stand. There are designs with a magnifying glass. Experience shows that the soldering iron stand, on which the clamps and magnifying glass are mounted, is inconvenient to use.
Optimal options
- the magnifying glass is combined with the “third hand”, the soldering iron is separate
- “third hand” on a stand with a soldering iron, a magnifying glass on a separate pedestal (our version).
The only thing missing is the ability to change temperature conditions work. This is especially true when installing LEDs.
Soldering iron stand and power regulator
The simplest and relatively affordable option, this is the purchase of a Chinese kit soldering station. You will be assembling such a KIT yourself, so we will classify it as homemade.
It can be assembled in the stand housing or as a separate device. The convenience of this design is undeniable, but we are considering the least expensive options. A 220-volt soldering iron is available in almost every home; all that remains is to assemble a power regulator.
Important! Dimers for incandescent lamps can be used, taking into account the power of the soldering iron.
But you will have to buy them again. Let's consider a simple circuit of a homemade regulator with a power of up to 200 W.
An autotransformer can be used, but this is a bulky device with low efficiency. Let's leave such “devices” for the radio engineering museum. Our triac circuit is miniature and economical.
You will need the following items
The circuit ensures continuous operation with a load of 200-300 W. Short-term loads up to 500 W are allowed.
Circuit board drawing for self-etching:
Carefully assemble the board, carefully soldering the legs of the parts. If the contact breaks, you can get uncontrolled voltage surges at the output.
The circuit is compact and can easily fit on a soldering iron stand. With power up to 100 W, triac cooling is not required. For larger loads, a small radiator is attached to the body.
After reviewing the material, you yourself will decide which stand to make. Or look visual video lesson on making a stand with your own hands.