Plastic welding. What's the drill?

**hayd3n** · 26th October 2008, 09:36

Originally Posted by Dan Mapp

I have a hot air plastic welder and I'm b***ed if I can get it to work proper it just makes a mess. But every so offen i have another go so must get the hang of it soon.

are you getting it too hot???
for abs it shouldent bubble
are you using a welding tip?
2/3/4mm welding rod?
if you arnet using a tip you will need much more practice ill try and get a video this week so you all can see
free hand and with a tip

**hayd3n** · 26th October 2008, 09:44

blackbird

that not a bad home effort!!!

**Racey Rider** · 26th October 2008, 12:48

So the 'Mek' brakes down the abs to a pliable state? then in a hour or so it re-sets again?

Where would one buy this mek( methyl ethyol ketone) from?

**hayd3n** · 26th October 2008, 12:59

Originally Posted by Racey Rider

So the 'Mek' brakes down the abs to a pliable state? then in a hour or so it re-sets again?

Where would one buy this mek( methyl ethyol ketone) from?

try repco
yes its just like glue but better coz you are using the same plastic, use a little bit at a time and it will bond great !!!
u can thin it out or keep it thick

**Blackbird** · 26th October 2008, 13:57

Originally Posted by Racey Rider

Where would one buy this mek( methyl ethyol ketone) from?

You need to be BLOODY careful with MEK. Get it in your eye and your sight is gone for good. Look at the MSDS sheet here: http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m4628.htm and then take the proper precautions if you still plan to go ahead. MEKP (the peroxide derivative) is even more harmful.

**birdhandler** · 26th October 2008, 13:59

Some plastic model glues are actually a solvent not sure if its MEK
they are handy if you only want a small amount o9r can be liberated from yorr brother or sons stuff
Cheers

**Ixion** · 26th October 2008, 14:12

Coat hangers. And MEK. This is looking promising. Coat hangers I can get (may have to sleep on the couch for a week, but what is life without sacrifice). And once upon a time I practically bathed in MEK every day. Completely harmless. Comparatively.So, these $500 hot air kits? Do they do anything better than a soldering iron (I have a soldering gun with some funny flat tips, maybe that';s what they're for).?

I think this may be a starter, time I learned some new skills.

And , on reflection, it occurs to me that a wander along the ditches on SH22 should provide more than sufficient scrap plastic for filler purposes. One afternoon after Boomer's been out and one could garner enough for a lifetime.

**Bonez** · 26th October 2008, 14:30

Go for it Ixion.

I've used super glue and black shoe polish to repair cracked plack plastic instrument consols.

**Dan Mapp** · 26th October 2008, 17:28

Originally Posted by hayd3n

are you getting it too hot???
for abs it shouldent bubble
are you using a welding tip?
2/3/4mm welding rod?
if you arnet using a tip you will need much more practice ill try and get a video this week so you all can see
free hand and with a tip

Cheers for that will buy you a beer or six when I get down south.

**imdying** · 27th October 2008, 17:45

Originally Posted by Racey Rider

So the 'Mek' brakes down the abs to a pliable state? then in a hour or so it re-sets again?

Where would one buy this mek( methyl ethyol ketone) from?

What out for MEK, it's very aggressive, keep it away from your body, especially the eyes or any wounds you may have.

**Ixion** · 27th October 2008, 18:06

Oh, by the way it's also insanely inflammable. And the vapour will travel for an amazing distance to find an ignition source. Good stuff.

**NinjaNanna** · 27th October 2008, 18:10

Mark_M Plastics repair - Glenfield, Auckland 09-443 4063

http://yellow.co.nz/whitepages/Glenf...94514_BUS.html

Had 2 jobs done there and been very happy with job and price.

**Shaun** · 28th October 2008, 10:33

Just send all your plastic welding to me in New Plymouth mate, I employ a man here to do it, WHO IS VERY VERY GOOD and fussy, Brilliant work man ship

There are more tricks to plastic welding proffessionaly, than most NON plasticwelders know about.

Gauranteed quality work man ship, fo the price of a Courier

**Ixion** · 28th October 2008, 11:26

Perhaps I should (re)emphasise that my present interest is not fostered by any actual need.

I do not have any plastics that NEED to be welded or replaced.

I have however inherited some "came along with" plastic bits that "would be OK to use if that big crack was welded up". Keeping a spare unusable panel on the wall is somewhat pointless. Keeping a welded up and usable at need panel is more sensible.

Since I have no actual need, I cannot justify paying someone.

If I were actually attempting to repair a damaged bike I would consider farming the task out.

**Shaun** · 28th October 2008, 11:31

Originally Posted by Ixion

Perhaps I should (re)emphasise that my present interest is not fostered by any actual need.

I do not have any plastics that NEED to be welded or replaced.

I have however inherited some "came along with" plastic bits that "would be OK to use if that big crack was welded up". Keeping a spare unusable panel on the wall is somewhat pointless. Keeping a welded up and usable at need panel is more sensible.

Since I have no actual need, I cannot justify paying someone.

If I were actually attempting to repair a damaged bike I would consider farming the task out.

Good on ya, I am just a Parasite looking for a way to make a customer happy, and me some money if possible.