A do-it-yourself soldering iron stand is necessary when working with a tool. Factory devices are mostly not practical and do not have additional features that make the job much easier.
Using something as a coaster usually results in a burnt table surface, clothes spoiled by tin and rosin, and hand burns.
Working on the “knee” is not quite convenient and takes a lot of time. The time and material investments in the manufacture of the stand are insignificant, the convenience and speed of work compensate for all efforts in the manufacture of the device.
The main requirements for stands, determined by operating experience:
- the base must be made of a material that conducts heat poorly;
- racks should not be massive;
- the optimal height of the bath for solder is not more than 10 mm;
- the soldering iron should lie on a stand with a slight slope, the tip is raised, the handle is lowered.
The dimensions of the product will depend on the power and size of the soldering iron.
Simple stand option
Figure 1. Scheme of a stand for a soldering iron for automatic adjustment temperature.
The most common option, made within an hour. For the base, you can use a segment wooden board at least 15 mm thick. Width and length are determined by the soldering iron model. The type of tree does not play a big role. It is desirable that the material be dry.
Surfaces should preferably be sanded or sanded.
Then, from a steel wire with a diameter of 3 - 4 mm, two racks must be bent. Usually, welding electrodes are used, freeing them from coating and treating them with emery cloth.
The shape of the rack is similar to the letter "M". The front of them should be higher, the middle bend is somewhat narrower, but the soldering iron should lie freely, without fixation. The C-pillar is slightly lower, the bend is wider. The lower ends of the racks must be sharpened with sandpaper or a file. Then hammer both racks into the board, according to the size of the soldering iron. The tip of the soldering iron must be in the air, the heating element must be located on the front rack. If a piece of hardwood is used for the base, it is advisable to drill two holes for the posts 4-6 mm deep and then hammer them.
A bath for flux and solder can be made from an old MBM capacitor of the required size. With a hacksaw for metal, he needs to cut the bottom at a height of 5-8 mm, and pull it off. The resulting bath must be washed with a solvent or alcohol, degreasing it. After drying, the bath must be fixed on the base, approximately in the middle between the racks. For fastening, you can use a couple of nails or small screws. In the absence of a condenser, you can use a suitable lid from a can or any other tin tray. The thickness of the tin should be small, otherwise it will be difficult to melt the solder when working with a low power soldering iron.
The stand is ready to use.
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Stand with energy saving circuit
The main disadvantage of soldering irons is their long initial heating. When working with circuits, soldering is needed periodically, and the soldering iron must be kept on between intervals, otherwise the work process will be significantly lengthened.
In addition, the soldering iron overheats, the solder and the tip oxidize. simple circuit, mounted on a do-it-yourself soldering iron stand, will help keep the tool at a lower temperature, warm up quickly when used.
For manufacturing you will need:
- diode, maximum forward current according to the power of the soldering iron;
- microswitch with the necessary current on the contacts;
- socket, cord with plug;
The base for the stand should be several large sizes than in the previous version. It is advisable to place the socket and microswitch on the side of the location of the soldering iron.
Figure 2. Scheme of the heating controller.
You need to install a diode in the socket housing by connecting it to one of the sockets of the socket, the polarity of the connection is not important. The power cord is connected with one wire to the second socket of the socket, the second to the free input of the diode. The microswitch is connected with normally closed contacts in parallel with the diode.
It is desirable to isolate all connections and the diode with any accessible way. The microswitch must be fixed on the base and a movable bracket must be installed to switch it. The soldering iron lying on the stand should press the arm of the bracket with its weight. The bracket will switch the microswitch, its contacts will open. The soldering iron will be connected to a voltage of 110 V. The power consumed from the network will be halved, and the temperature will drop accordingly.
When lifting the soldering iron, the bracket will rise, the contacts will close, and within a few seconds the soldering iron will warm up to the required temperature.
To control the presence of voltage in the socket or on the base, you need to install a voltage indicator (any available).
Usually, when using such a stand, they often forget to turn off the soldering iron at the end of work.
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Connecting a soldering iron through a bridge
This scheme allows you to somewhat stabilize the operation of the soldering iron during drops and power surges in the network. Unlike the option described above, instead of one diode, you need to install a diode bridge with a smoothing electrolytic capacitor at the output. For manufacturing you need:
- four diodes with the required forward current rating;
- 40.0 microfarad electrolytic capacitor, voltage 350 V or higher;
- two microswitches or a group of normally closed contacts from a relay;
- socket, power cord with plug;
- mains voltage indicator.
For control, you need two pairs of normally closed contacts. Two microswitches or relay contacts can be used open type. Contacts must be covered with a cover made of dielectric material.
One pair of contacts (Fig. 1) disconnects and connects one of the diodes of the bridge, the second - the capacitor. In the working position, the power to the soldering iron is supplied through the bridge and smoothed out by the capacitor, in the non-working position - through one of the diodes of the bridge.
The design and dimensions of such a stand will depend on the available elements. The main elements are similar to previous versions. You can make a movable bracket for switching contacts from the used relay by removing the core and winding.
The stand for the soldering iron is an indispensable attribute of the soldering station. It can be purchased at any hardware store or in the market. However, its cost is quite high. To save our own money, a stand is made for Except financial issue, its functionality is considered. That is, it can be used for various needs in the household or in the production workshop. There are 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 is convenient fixture which performs many functions. First of all, it is a protective surface, which prevents damage to property.
Before working with the soldering unit, it must be warmed up. In this case, the metal body is heated to high temperatures.
Soldering iron stand - what is it for?
A quality part is necessary for those people who perform a lot of soldering work. For the manufacture of such a device as a stand for a soldering iron, special skills and abilities are not required. The process uses simple and available materials and tools. Finished device easy to handle. A homemade stand for a soldering iron should consist of individual 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 they are stored small parts. The soldering iron stand is suitable for any device, regardless of its power and degree of heating. In the manufacture of 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 stand for a soldering iron?
It is unprofitable to buy ready-made coasters, as 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 stand for a soldering iron with your own hands?".
Before starting production, it is necessary to prepare materials. To do this, you need to 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.
When all these parts are purchased, you can start making the stand.
So, in the plate you need to make several holes. Containers for rosin and alcohol will be fixed on them. Cans are easy to install. Containers should be easily inserted into the structure, and also 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 raise the structure a certain distance. This is done for convenience in the process. Preparatory work end on the processing of a duralumin sheet with a file or sandpaper. Corners should not have sharp ends.
Construction assembly
So, let's start assembling the stand for the soldering iron. The prepared support must be fixed to a wooden beam.
This can be done with screws. Next, the prepared small containers are attached. They are attached to the base with special glue or epoxy resin. Many craftsmen also install a small container between the racks. It can store small parts that will be needed in the process.
From wire
A wire soldering iron stand 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 details are used:
- tin;
- pencil large diameter;
- washers and bolts;
- wire.
First you need to make a spring. The first thing to do is to purchase wire from the store. Some people remove it from other room fixtures. It must have a sufficiently large thickness so that a soldering iron heated to high temperatures does not destroy it. In addition, only high-strength material will go into operation. Ready product should spring.
We cut off the required length of wire and carefully align. To create a spring, a large diameter pencil is used. Holding the wire, carefully wind it around the pencil. The result should be a tight spiral. At its end is done special mount in the form of an ear. For these purposes, pliers are used.
The next step is to prepare the can. A small hole is drilled in its bottom.
This can be done with a nail or a drill. Next comes the stand for the soldering iron. The prepared spring is inserted into the jar and the structure is fixed with a bolt and nut. Washers are used to ensure a stronger mount. This method is quite simple. Anyone can make a soldering iron stand. It does not take much time to make it, as well as special tools.
Soldering iron stand with power regulator
All more people prefer to use this particular type of stand. Its essence lies in the fact that it is equipped with special device, which 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. For the manufacture of a variant with a power regulator, it is necessary to take the following elements:
- copper wire;
- a small piece of plywood;
- transformer;
- LEDs;
- details for fastening;
- resistor;
- wires;
- socket to connect to the network.
After everything necessary details were purchased, proceed directly to the assembly of the stand.
To begin with, the size of the installation is selected. Based on this information, a base is cut out of a plywood sheet. Next, a transformer and other parts will be attached to it.
Fuse holder
Manufacturing this option does not take much time, effort, and also does not require large financial investments. A wooden beam serves as a base, on which the fuse sponges are attached. They can be of various sizes. It all depends on the personal preferences of the masters.
Stand Benefits
First of all, the main advantage is mobility. Homemade coasters used by people who are quite often involved in 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 makeshift installations are popular not only among amateurs, but also among professionals.
How to make a simple model?
It happens that it is urgently necessary 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, but also robust 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 supports - screws or nails. They are driven into the beam crosswise. This forms a stand on which the soldering iron fits well and holds firmly.
Conclusion
When soldering elements, a stand for the device must be present. This accessory is expensive, so it is better to make it yourself. Such a process will not take much time, effort, and also save money.
Modern soldering irons are highly efficient popular tools used for tinning and soldering elements, as well as melting the solder and then applying it to the areas of the parts being soldered to each other.
Do-it-yourself soldering iron stand is quite easy, makes the operation of the tool safe and convenient.
All soldering irons produced today by domestic and foreign manufacturers differ in power indicators and their design features, which affects the choice of the type, size and shape of the stand.
Rod type models have ceramic and coil heaters.
The second option is more practical and durable, but has a fairly long warm-up. A ceramic soldering iron heats up much faster, but needs careful operation and the most careful attitude, so a high-quality stand helps prevent unwanted shocks or failure of the device.
The material for the traditional stand is also selected taking into account the power ratings of the soldering tool:
- models 3-10 W are used in desoldering the smallest microcircuits;
- 20-40 W devices are classified as household and amateur radio;
- 60-100 W devices are most often used in automotive services and are involved in desoldering thick cables;
- soldering irons 100-250 W are used in soldering dishes, easily solder radiators and other large-sized metal.
The most powerful soldering irons are bulky tools that require especially reliable and sturdy stands. A convenient and multifunctional stand makes work safe, and the presence of a voltage regulator prevents overheating of the soldering iron in conditions long work with the device.
The device connected to the mains quickly warms up to 250-300 ° C, therefore it is placed on a special stand or inserted into it, after which it is located on the edge of the working surface.
How to make a stand for a soldering iron with your own hands?
Today, retail outlets sell just a huge number of a wide variety of devices, including simple holders and entire complexes called soldering stations. Availability minimum quantity 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 necessary minimum materials for self-manufacturing stands can be considered:
- stable and non-combustible base with legs, made of any materials that do not conduct heat well and are safe to use;
- supports for laying or inserting a soldering iron;
- a special container filled with rosin (flux).
Simple homemade stand
The most requested 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 the elements that are supposed to be used in the manufacture of a soldering iron stand with your own hands, preference should be given only to high-strength, non-toxic and durable materials.
Tool
Tool kit may vary depending on design features the basics and materials used in the work on the construction - a hacksaw for wood and metal, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a construction knife, marking and measuring tools.
Simple stand option
The most budgetary, simple and common, 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 by thin metal clothes hangers.
Homemade mobile designs for a soldering iron are often made from sheet metal obtained from a broken computer block nutrition. Such an original base is intended primarily for use by people who regularly perform soldering work outside the home. Distinctive feature This model is sufficient usability and functionality, as well as compact size and the ability to transport the base in a small bag or a simple pocket.
Stand on work surface
Any of the simplest coasters can become more convenient if the design is supplemented with some auxiliary elements, represented by a metal sponge for cleaning the tip, a holder for soldering, containers for tin and rosin.
Stand with energy saving circuit
The main disadvantage of the soldering iron is the duration of the initial warm-up and the need to keep the device on even when performing periodic soldering, which has an extremely negative effect 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 becomes possible to save electricity.
For self-production, you need to prepare:
- a diode with a maximum forward current corresponding to the power of the device;
- a microswitch having the required current on the contacts;
- electrical outlet;
- electric cord with a standard plug;
- indicator for mains voltage.
The socket and microswitch are traditionally located in the side part of the base, not far from the soldering iron.
Manufacturing technology:
- installation of a diode in the housing part of the socket;
- connecting a diode to a socket without regard to polarity;
- connecting the power cord to another socket and free diode input;
- parallel connection of normally closed contacts of the microswitch to the diode;
- isolation of the diode and all connections;
- installation of a microswitch on a movable bracket.
The device, mounted on a stand, presses the lever part of the bracket with its mass, which is accompanied by switching the microswitch and opening its contacts. In this case, the power is halved, and the voltage control is carried out by the indicator.
As a rule, the operation of a stand with an electric energy saving circuit requires the control of turning off the soldering iron after work is completed.
Connecting a soldering iron through a bridge
This version of the circuit helps to stabilize the operation of an electrical device in conditions of drops and power surges in electrical network. In this case, the diode is replaced by a diode bridge with a smoothing electrolytic capacitor at the output.
Materials for manufacturing are presented:
- diodes with the required indicators of nominal direct current values - 4 pieces;
- electrolytic capacitor for 40.0 microfarads 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:
- close 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 position of the power supply is characterized by the supply of voltage through the bridge and typical smoothing with 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 by means of a relay, carefully removed windings and a core.
Soldering iron stand with power regulator
A distinctive feature of the design is the presence of a power regulator built into it, which allows you to control 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;
- building hair dryer.
Manufacturing technology for a soldering iron stand with a do-it-yourself power regulator:
- assembling the power control board in accordance with the above diagram;
- production of a plastic blank for the body part of the board using a building hair dryer;
- production of a tin box with soldered corners;
- tin box manufacturing metal brush for cleaning the sting;
- assembling an emphasis for an electrical appliance;
- soldering the bolt to the clamp as a "third hand";
- production of a stand base from a chipboard sheet;
- cutout on the base by means of a notch cutter;
- placement in the recess of rosin, melted with a building hair dryer;
- fixation metal box, stand and clamp;
- screwing the board and fixing the case.
On final stage manufacturing, a box for an iron brush is screwed on, and anti-slip rubber feet are fixed with glue on reverse side already finished 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 various values on the indicator, assembled according to the scheme 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 of the KTs405a type to a traditional diode bridge.
The main tool of a home radio amateur is a soldering iron. Unlike other appliances, it cannot simply be placed on a table (workbench) during operation. Why? Right! He is hot. Therefore, you will need a special stand.
There are many 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 repair work. If you are not a professional "homemade" - the instrument usually gathers dust in a box on the balcony, appearing once or twice a year. In such cases, many use the first object that comes across as a stand.
However, if you put in quite a bit of effort, a hand-made soldering iron stand will look no worse than a factory one. Especially if you regularly make electrical circuits.
Required minimum for stand
- Stable foundation. Made of a material that conducts heat poorly, or equipped with legs
- Soldering iron supports
- Container for rosin (flux).
Additional options"
- Tinning area
- Solder container
- Sting Cleaner
- power regulator (can be of two types: smooth adjustment, or stepwise limitation for the time of a break in work).
Flipping through old magazines
In old Radio magazines, you can find drawings on how to make a stand with an economical load switch.
- as a basis ( 1 ) a board with a selected middle is used, or a U-shaped structure made of a strip of plywood and two bars along the long edges
- A 220 volt relay contact group is located under the surface ( 2,4,5 ) with large collector areas. The wiring diagram transfers power either directly or through a diode. The radio element "cuts off" the halves of the half-cycle AC voltage 220 volts, reducing it to 110
- Through pull ( 6 ), spring-loaded ( 7 ) button ( 8 ) presses the contacts when the soldering iron is on the stand. Electricity is spent half as much, while the soldering iron almost instantly warms up to full power. The rod is attached to the console ( 9 )
- The tool itself is located on the brackets ( 3 ) And ( 10 )
- At the rear is a soldering iron socket connected to the relay output contacts. The power cable is connected to the input
- Between the racks, they usually nailed a tin of shoe cream or petroleum jelly to store rosin
A little backstory. Long wanted do normal stand for soldering iron but didn't know where to start. Recently, I came across a lid (I don’t remember exactly why), which had been in the box for a long time.
She gave me the idea for the design.
To make the stand I used:
- "unknown" cover (stand);
- plywood;
- wooden bead;
- self-tapping screws;
- nails;
Description of work
To begin with, I removed everything superfluous from the lid.
On the sides were left "tongues" that will play the role of fasteners.
Next, 3 planks were cut out of plywood. Since the bottom of the lid is not even, for convenient fastening the substrate was sawn to the base. 
From three sawn boards:
- the largest is the base of the entire structure;
- the other two are the same. A soldering iron mount will be installed on one, in the other I made holes into which jars of fluxes for soldering will be placed. Also in the substrate, I made holes in the shape of the bottom of the lid.
I drilled holes in the tongues. After that, I screwed two identical planks onto the screws.
In order to prevent the flux jars from falling through, a small plank was cut out of plywood, two small glazing beads were sawn to the plank.
I nailed this plank to the base with carnations, placing sawn glazing beads under it.
A partition was cut out of tin into a lid. From the tin that was cut off from the lid, I bent the stand on which the soldering iron will lie. The partition was screwed to the base with screws through the holes in the cover. The stand was screwed to the board without holes.
Under the plank on which the soldering iron will lie down, I sawed out 2 glazing beads and nailed them to the studs.
I placed a sponge in the part of the lid with a partition. Cellulose sponge for washing dishes. Sponges that are sold specifically for cleaning soldering tips are no different from cellulose sponges for washing dishes, only in size and price. Sponges for dishes are much larger in size, and cheaper in price. This sponge was bought at a hardware store for 30 rubles.
The lower part was removed from the sponge. I also cut it to fit the lid.
