Helping Hands Mod: Fan and Base for the AliExpress Helping Hands

This is a lazy upload of a niche mod, originally a one-off but I figured I may as well upload it to save others some time. Primarily, this helps make the helping hands more stable and less likely to roll to either side while working.

For use with the generic AliExpress Helping Hands which are sold under various names, usually for around $20
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007464585336.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.59ad1802J1hXAp

I also added a pocket which can hold a small buck converter to power a 5V fan (could be 12v too).
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006839016783.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.16.59ad1802J1hXAp

Most 60mm fans should do; however mid-project I found this specific buck converter didn't like running off a combination of 2x AAs and this specific fan (Some others ran fine), so  added a separate channel to run a usb cable to the base. (Yeah, I could have skipped the buck converter in this case, but I didn't. I left it in to possibly use a 4x AA battery pack down the line (tested with dupont wires and it worked with the converter unlike only 2x AA))

You will need:
- Filament (TPU ideal)
- 4x M3 35mm screws
- 4x M3 screws that came with helping hands
- 4-8 M3 5mm(OD) x 4mm(L) thermal inserts
- 60mm Fan (One with ridges for the helping hands to grab, see photo)
- Buck Converter (unless running straight off a USB cable)
- Wire
- Battery pack or USB cable
- Activated carbon filter foam (Optional)

Additional Tools:
- Soldering Iron
- Multimeter (To adjust Buck Converter)
- Screwdriver

Instructions:
- Print the base, don't skimp on material, you do want a bit of weight.

- Print the back shroud for the fan

- Print the 2 fan meshes, use something like 5 walls, no top/bottom layers, and a grid infill on 18%. It's only purpose is to prevent things from entering the fan while working.

- Test and solder your wiring and buck for the fan.

- Add thermal inserts, the ones in the bottom of the base are a little tricky. The included screws were only threaded at the tip so I had to put them deep. Make sure they are thoroughly embedded if using TPU, as they can be pulled out more easily (also don't over-tighten the screws for the same reason)

- Install your buck into the clip and run the wires through the channels. Optionally top with a small square of electrical tape, just to be safe and insulate it from the aluminum block.

- Use the screws that came with the hands to attach the hands to the rubber base

- Assemble the fan-sandwich. Mesh in front, Mesh behind, a layer of foam, and the back plate/shroud. No need to crush the filter foam, just make everything snug.

Notes:
By rearranging the 'sandwich', you can try adding the filter before the fan, after, neither, or both. Whichever you prefer, just try not to add too much air resistance or it may no longer pull in smoke effectively.

You can just ignore 'The Sandwich', and run a naked fan. I just wanted a front mesh and some foam on there so wires wouldn't get pulled in.

The back shroud mostly just exists to give the screws something to thread into and another layer to sammwich foam between.

There is room to hide some soldering / thermal-insert tips under the arms on the right side.

I will also repeat, be sure to get a fan with ribs which the helping hands can hold onto, otherwise you'll have to print a handle to add to the sandwich.

Disclaimer:

This is a DIY project and is provided as-is. You take full responsibility for your build, including assessing the suitability of the model for your needs and safety requirements.

This basic fan setup will not filter out all the solder smoke like a dedicated system, but it will help keep it out of your face. Good enough for occasional use. I know there is room for optimization and improvement, but I'll leave that to others if they want to remix, this is too niche and one-off to fully polish. Take it as a DIY project to modify to your own needs.