In this project, I will walk you through how to build a neat soldering iron attachment that allows you to effortlessly bond wires while only utilizing one hand for both the solder and soldering iron.
It’s going super well! I have finished the first prototype but am still making adjustments to make it more compact and reliable.
I estimate the project will be released in a little over a month!
The project will also be for sale on my new website (the link will be provided once released) in which you can pick out everything you need and I’ll have it shipped to you.
I’m gonna start building this when the parts show up I will let you know how it goes as I go, my name is Trysten on Instagram I may reach out through DM!
I have successfully adapted the 3D model to my Ersa soldering iron. The solder can be easily pushed forwards or backwards even without a rubber finger cap.
Great idea, but like you said, it could be smaller. I don't see the need to have the iron attached to the mech. If they were separate, I could simply move the solder tube to where I need it. I thought it was attached to a glove, but maybe I assumed that, but that could hold it in place on the back of your hand until needed...waiting to see version 2 of this...a foot pedal for activating the stepper is a good idea too.
I agree! The one with the glove that I previewed on my socials is the second version, it should be released in a few weeks! I’m super excited to show it off :)
A version 2 would be nice. With preprinted circuit boards, if not a development kit with all of the hardware included. Or links to amazon for the required parts. With out the links and preprinted board I am afraid it is beyond my abilities .
Version 2 is underway! I've already started prototyping some different ideas. It will be right and left hand compatible, lightweight, and have much better control over the solder. I also have a separate article going into detail on building the PCBs coming out soon if you're interested in learning more.
On a separate note, I am debating selling the PCBs separately, or the entire Solder Sustainer v2 unit in it's entirety if people show an interest for it. I am excited to hear your thoughts on it once the next version comes out. :)
Can this stepper motor be used instead of the stepper motor "Nema 17 stepper motor 2A 55Ncm 1.8 degrees"? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B06XVM38YW/ This is slightly smaller. Is the strength sufficient?
Instead of the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R2 module, it is planned to use the development board: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BVQLW2S6/ It is intended to solder all components onto a breadboard.
So far I only have one idea for extracting the harmful fumes, which involves running a long hose to the soldering tip. At the end, a fan can suck in the air. A standard PC fan is unsuitable here as it does not generate negative pressure. Do you have any idea what you can use? If necessary, a mini vacuum cleaner could also be connected.
Happy to hear you’re about ready to start the build!
Yes! I just used a pre-bought module of the A4988 similar to what you have linked. That should work great. You can just connect it by soldering some female pin headers to the board then popping it in.
I believe that motor should be fine, I would just make sure that the holes line up with those on the 3D model for mounting. Should be plenty of torque.
A development board is a great idea! I’ve had some other people do the same to reduce costs. There should be no problems there. If it’s easier, you could even just run wires from the breadboard to the iron without mounting anything. Might be easier to hold.
That’s a great idea with the fine extractor! I want to make something similar whenever I create v2. My best advise at the moment would be to use a small BLDC motor with a fan blade to withdraw the fumes directly, however I know that’s probably not as effective as some sort of vacuum which could use through a tube. You might be able to make your own by shooting air out away from the board in an isolated container then attaching a tube below the moving air. Might create a decent enough pressure but I couldn’t say for sure.
I have successfully adapted the 3D model to my Ersa soldering iron. The solder can be easily pushed forwards or backwards even without a rubber finger cap.
I only have one arm available due to a spastic physical disability. I stumbled across this project on thingiverse.com (project 6147835) and think it's awesome.
In the photos you can see that it is operated with the right hand. Can it also be operated with the left hand?
Another thought just occurred to me. There actually doesn’t seem to be any reason why this project wouldn’t work with everything upside-down. If you just flipped the entire thing around the soldering iron, you’d be able to reach all the buttons and everything just fine with the left hand! Apologies for not thinking of this earlier. It’s not as ideal as a mirrored one but would still certainly work. Just watch and make sure that your finger webbing doesn’t touch the extruder gear!
Hello Ben! Thanks for the kindness! It should still work, it just may be a bit uncomfortable since majority of the mass is in toward you. It seems like you'd be able to hit the buttons decently with your thumb, but you may need some excess electrical tape to prevent your thumb from coming in contact with the ground pad on the ESP32 when reaching for the backwards button. It also may be a bit harder to redirect the solder tube with your finger - but still can be done! My best recommendation would be to find a software that can mirror all the parts so it fits properly in your left hand. I know Solidworks can do it, but I'm sure there are others too. For the electronics, if you relocate everything to the back of the board it will be sufficiently mirrored and would work great with the mirrored 3D parts. I'm sure there's a software available somewhere that can do this. I hope this helps!
What I don't like about the project is that all the electrical components are exposed and you have to more or less look for the buttons with your finger.
I constructed a control panel with the two SMD buttons for moving the solder. Unfortunately, you cannot attach pictures in the comments. A screenshot with the Fusion 360 file can be downloaded here: https://cloud.soeti.de/s/93rSeLabLroMMio
The soldering tin can be moved to the soldering tip with the "SMD button 1" button, while the soldering tin can be pulled back with the "SMD button 2" button.
Totally fine as well! The pins should be the same and you'll still need a step-up module (pretty cheap) but you can connect everything just fine on a protoboard using the devkit. Buttons can also be used instead of touch sensors, you just may need to make a few adjustments.
Good question! I ended up using standard PLA because it's what I had available, but a large variety of filaments should work just fine. If you're concerned about the plastic part close to the soldering iron tip melting, I've had no problems with it. Although, I haven't tried it with anything past 350°C for a long duration. Hope this helps.
Great gland to hear it. I am a customer.
How are you coming along with Version 2? Have you given any more thought to a development kit?
It’s going super well! I have finished the first prototype but am still making adjustments to make it more compact and reliable.
I estimate the project will be released in a little over a month!
The project will also be for sale on my new website (the link will be provided once released) in which you can pick out everything you need and I’ll have it shipped to you.
This is what I am so excited for. I signed up for the mailing list, I imagine you will email when the site/v2 will be ready for folks to buy?
I’m gonna start building this when the parts show up I will let you know how it goes as I go, my name is Trysten on Instagram I may reach out through DM!
No problem! I'm excited for you to try the build. But sounds good! Happy to help :)
This website presents a project called "Soldering Finger". The project is designed to manually bring the solder to the soldering tip with one hand: https://www.printables.com/de/model/739127-lotfinger
With this method, the soldering iron is not as heavy as with the robot solution.
Looks interesting! I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for the info!
Hello,
I have successfully adapted the 3D model to my Ersa soldering iron. The solder can be easily pushed forwards or backwards even without a rubber finger cap.
My working 3D model has been published here: https://www.printables.com/model/1011534-einhandig-loten/related
Great idea, but like you said, it could be smaller. I don't see the need to have the iron attached to the mech. If they were separate, I could simply move the solder tube to where I need it. I thought it was attached to a glove, but maybe I assumed that, but that could hold it in place on the back of your hand until needed...waiting to see version 2 of this...a foot pedal for activating the stepper is a good idea too.
I agree! The one with the glove that I previewed on my socials is the second version, it should be released in a few weeks! I’m super excited to show it off :)
Ok yes I watched it again....much better version...looking forward to it...
I look forward too V2.
A version 2 would be nice. With preprinted circuit boards, if not a development kit with all of the hardware included. Or links to amazon for the required parts. With out the links and preprinted board I am afraid it is beyond my abilities .
Version 2 is underway! I've already started prototyping some different ideas. It will be right and left hand compatible, lightweight, and have much better control over the solder. I also have a separate article going into detail on building the PCBs coming out soon if you're interested in learning more.
On a separate note, I am debating selling the PCBs separately, or the entire Solder Sustainer v2 unit in it's entirety if people show an interest for it. I am excited to hear your thoughts on it once the next version comes out. :)
I have hand tremors and this thing is just the right thing to solve my problem.
Thanks for taking the time to invent this.
So happy to hear! :)
Hello,
I've now got almost all the parts together. I can't figure out the stepper motor driver. Was a ready-made device like this used? https://www.amazon.de/AZDelivery-A4988-Schrittmotor-Treiber-Modul-Parent/dp/B01N9QOJ99?th=1
Can this stepper motor be used instead of the stepper motor "Nema 17 stepper motor 2A 55Ncm 1.8 degrees"? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B06XVM38YW/ This is slightly smaller. Is the strength sufficient?
Instead of the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R2 module, it is planned to use the development board: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BVQLW2S6/ It is intended to solder all components onto a breadboard.
So far I only have one idea for extracting the harmful fumes, which involves running a long hose to the soldering tip. At the end, a fan can suck in the air. A standard PC fan is unsuitable here as it does not generate negative pressure. Do you have any idea what you can use? If necessary, a mini vacuum cleaner could also be connected.
Hello Ben,
Happy to hear you’re about ready to start the build!
Yes! I just used a pre-bought module of the A4988 similar to what you have linked. That should work great. You can just connect it by soldering some female pin headers to the board then popping it in.
I believe that motor should be fine, I would just make sure that the holes line up with those on the 3D model for mounting. Should be plenty of torque.
A development board is a great idea! I’ve had some other people do the same to reduce costs. There should be no problems there. If it’s easier, you could even just run wires from the breadboard to the iron without mounting anything. Might be easier to hold.
That’s a great idea with the fine extractor! I want to make something similar whenever I create v2. My best advise at the moment would be to use a small BLDC motor with a fan blade to withdraw the fumes directly, however I know that’s probably not as effective as some sort of vacuum which could use through a tube. You might be able to make your own by shooting air out away from the board in an isolated container then attaching a tube below the moving air. Might create a decent enough pressure but I couldn’t say for sure.
Hope this helps,
Best of luck with the build!
Hello,
I have successfully adapted the 3D model to my Ersa soldering iron. The solder can be easily pushed forwards or backwards even without a rubber finger cap.
My working 3D model has been published here: https://www.printables.com/model/1011534-einhandig-loten/related
Hello,
I only have one arm available due to a spastic physical disability. I stumbled across this project on thingiverse.com (project 6147835) and think it's awesome.
In the photos you can see that it is operated with the right hand. Can it also be operated with the left hand?
Another thought just occurred to me. There actually doesn’t seem to be any reason why this project wouldn’t work with everything upside-down. If you just flipped the entire thing around the soldering iron, you’d be able to reach all the buttons and everything just fine with the left hand! Apologies for not thinking of this earlier. It’s not as ideal as a mirrored one but would still certainly work. Just watch and make sure that your finger webbing doesn’t touch the extruder gear!
Hello Ben! Thanks for the kindness! It should still work, it just may be a bit uncomfortable since majority of the mass is in toward you. It seems like you'd be able to hit the buttons decently with your thumb, but you may need some excess electrical tape to prevent your thumb from coming in contact with the ground pad on the ESP32 when reaching for the backwards button. It also may be a bit harder to redirect the solder tube with your finger - but still can be done! My best recommendation would be to find a software that can mirror all the parts so it fits properly in your left hand. I know Solidworks can do it, but I'm sure there are others too. For the electronics, if you relocate everything to the back of the board it will be sufficiently mirrored and would work great with the mirrored 3D parts. I'm sure there's a software available somewhere that can do this. I hope this helps!
Hello, thank you for the feedback.
What I don't like about the project is that all the electrical components are exposed and you have to more or less look for the buttons with your finger.
I constructed a control panel with the two SMD buttons for moving the solder. Unfortunately, you cannot attach pictures in the comments. A screenshot with the Fusion 360 file can be downloaded here: https://cloud.soeti.de/s/93rSeLabLroMMio
The soldering tin can be moved to the soldering tip with the "SMD button 1" button, while the soldering tin can be pulled back with the "SMD button 2" button.
That looks great! You can totally do that if it’d be more comfortable. I’ll probably do something similar whenever I build v2 :)
I found the PCB cost a little high for me ie 82US for Canada so have decided to go with the Devkit route
Totally fine as well! The pins should be the same and you'll still need a step-up module (pretty cheap) but you can connect everything just fine on a protoboard using the devkit. Buttons can also be used instead of touch sensors, you just may need to make a few adjustments.
This guy did something similar to reduce costs if you want to take a look: https://www.thingiverse.com/make:1121496
What filament did you use for the 3D printed parts?
I would imagine it's ABS or ASA
I used PLA+ 30% infill print speed 50% no supports on a CR10s pro v2
Excellent Print
Good question! I ended up using standard PLA because it's what I had available, but a large variety of filaments should work just fine. If you're concerned about the plastic part close to the soldering iron tip melting, I've had no problems with it. Although, I haven't tried it with anything past 350°C for a long duration. Hope this helps.