[Mirage]

So I recently started chemistry, and I just love it! It is he most amazing thing that I have ever made a hobby of. Now currently my lab is set up downstairs in a sort of rex room right next to a door with table outside. I am wondering if their is anything that is ABSOLUTELY important because I am just making an order with united nuclear.
Also, is there any feaseable way went fumes outside. My work desk is about 2 ft away from the door. With my dad on google sketchup, we have designed a small sort of fume hood. It is VERY small about 2 ft wide and 3 ft tall with a hole in the top and a XL computer fan blowing any fumes through a sort of pipe like the ones on the back of dryers. I would have it really long so I would only have to lead it outside through my open door. The only problem I could think of is that my dad is rally busy with work so I would have to make it myself, and woodwork is not my strong suit. So I was thinking just having someone put in a window next to door and just open the window and put a large box fan blowing outside. Or would it be just easier to go outside to do any sort of reactions that produce fumes. I was just thinking it would be nice to not have to get up and move my apparatus outside every time. Thanks for all your replies in advanced

Mirage
Aspiring Chemist

[Glassblower]

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher.

[408]

Woodwork to make it look nice is difficult.
Woodwork to be functional is easy.

Balsa wood is your friend....

I used to use a balsa wood and plexiglass box (about 1 foot each dimension)  with a computer fan on both sides of the dryer hose as a fumehood.  I could use fuming acids (HNO3, oleum) without smelling a thing. 

[Mirage]

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher.

For sure. I think we have an extra one I could just get from my parents.

Hmm. How thick was the balsa. I usually think balsa wood is really thin. Like 1/32 of an inch! Obviously you would use thicker wood, but where you be able to get that? I have never seen this in any hardware store in canada

[408]

Rona or Revy has it.  I used 1/4 inch.

[Mirage]

Rona or Revy has it.  I used 1/4 inch.

Awsome! Thanks for the help. I will try to post some pics once I have made it.
Mirage

[Zerm]

Be careful using a computer fan to vent fumes.  Those things can't build up the pressure required to force efficient airflow around bends or through long hose.  For that, you need a centrifugal fan.  The kind one could salvage from a range top vent would be ideal.  Smaller ones may do the trick, however, if the hood is fairly small.  Radio shack where I am typically carries them. 

What's important is to be able to feel a very gentle air flow just inside the opening of the cupboard.  This inward air flow means fumes can't waft out.  Definitely check the exhaust port to make sure you are getting a steady air flow before you use the hood for dangerous chemicals.

I also recommend sealing all the seams with silicone.  Its an easy step that will greatly improve the suction and overall quality of the hood.  Also, a light of some kind would be prudent.

[Mirage]

Be careful using a computer fan to vent fumes.  Those things can't build up the pressure required to force efficient airflow around bends or through long hose.  For that, you need a centrifugal fan.  The kind one could salvage from a range top vent would be ideal.  Smaller ones may do the trick, however, if the hood is fairly small.  Radio shack where I am typically carries them. 

What's important is to be able to feel a very gentle air flow just inside the opening of the cupboard.  This inward air flow means fumes can't waft out.  Definitely check the exhaust port to make sure you are getting a steady air flow before you use the hood for dangerous chemicals.

Sure, il have to put this together soon. Its SO coldd outside! Thanks for the advice!

I also recommend sealing all the seams with silicone.  Its an easy step that will greatly improve the suction and overall quality of the hood.  Also, a light of some kind would be prudent.

[vmelkon]

I wish I could get a CO2 extinguisher.

[zaphraud]

Centrifugal fans are like 15 bucks at home depot (ask the employees for a replacement bathroom fart fan and they will take you right to them). I wouldn't bother attempting salvage unless I literally had an extra device containing one waiting for immediate disposal.