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Post by esshup on May 17, 2017 9:23:09 GMT -5
I am looking to buy a plastic welder to weld low density polyethylene. Does anybody have any experience welding plastic and have any suggestions where to buy the equipment? I'd really like to find a welder that the heat can be adjusted, I don't need to go to the expense of a spool gun, the welding volume isn't there. Right now, I can estimate roughly 200 feet of welding bead if I weld both sides of the joint. 1/2" thick low density plastic.
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Post by nfalls116 on May 17, 2017 9:40:18 GMT -5
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Post by esshup on May 17, 2017 13:31:23 GMT -5
Thanks, I ordered the welder, it will be here in about a week. American made, in Florida. |
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Post by nfalls116 on May 17, 2017 16:35:32 GMT -5
Let us know the results
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Post by span870 on May 17, 2017 20:32:56 GMT -5
So how would one weld plastic? Is it just like melting it together?
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Post by nfalls116 on May 17, 2017 20:55:30 GMT -5
So how would one weld plastic? Is it just like melting it together? A lot like metal you melt the rod and the pieces to be welded all at once (best way I can explain it) And You have to match materials |
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Post by esshup on May 17, 2017 23:08:22 GMT -5
So how would one weld plastic? Is it just like melting it together? A lot like metal you melt the rod and the pieces to be welded all at once (best way I can explain it) And You have to match materials ^^^^ What he said. You have to even match material densities for the best weld. You *can* weld high density plastic with low density rod, but not the other way around, the material and the rod won't melt at the same time and the weld won't turn out correct. Since I am making 30 and 50 gallon tanks that will see a lot of water sloshing around as I drive, I want to make sure the welds are the strongest possible. I inquired with a plastic fab shop in Ft. Wayne about building the tanks for me, but they wanted $10/gallon and I had to furnish the stainless piano hinges, 3" or 4" knife valves and bulkhead fittings, etc. I figure that for the price of the plastic sheets and the welder, after I make 4 tanks I will be money ahead. (not including labor) |
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Post by deadeer on May 18, 2017 1:05:17 GMT -5
Look me up! If similar to SMAW or GMAW, I will donate my experience for free!
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Post by htownhunter on May 18, 2017 4:00:28 GMT -5
I've heard of welding plastic, but that's about it. |
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Post by nfalls116 on May 18, 2017 11:27:01 GMT -5
I've heard of welding plastic, but that's about it. Yeah we never did it at work but I didn't know if you had or not. |
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Post by nfalls116 on May 18, 2017 11:29:26 GMT -5
Look me up! If similar to SMAW or GMAW, I will donate my experience for free! I believe it's more comparable to brazing |
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Post by deadeer on May 18, 2017 11:36:02 GMT -5
As long as there can be some practice material, it should be doable then. My hand has been attached to a welding lead since age 13, so there is 29yrs worth of practice.
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Post by esshup on May 20, 2017 8:14:40 GMT -5
Looks pretty easy, I WILL be practicing and cutting the welds apart to make sure I'm doing it right before I start on the tanks. I'd hate to have it full of fish and water, on the road and have it blow apart........
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