Working With Acrylic

[Freenow54]

Wondering and this is actually a chemistry question . I have noticed that heating and forming acrylic with a heat gun makes it difficult and actually not a good bond with glue anymore . Does heating change the chemical qualities of it ?

 

[me & my baby]

I have never had an issue bonding the acrylic after using a heat gun to form it . What solvent are you using .

 

[Freenow54]

I have never had an issue bonding the acrylic after using a heat gun to form it . What solvent are you using .

Various but all Cyanoacrylate

 

[me & my baby]

You need something like Weldon. Superglue doesn’t bond the acrylic. When using Weldon 4 or 16 it’s chemically fuses the acrylic together to where it’s one solid piece .

 

[me & my baby]

That was heated with a heat gun and formed and glued back in 2008 and it held for me for 8+ years and the guy I sold it to is still using it so 17 years with no issues.

 

[mfinn]

You need something like Weldon. Superglue doesn’t bond the acrylic. When using Weldon 4 or 16 it’s chemically fuses the acrylic together to where it’s one solid piece .

You don't like #3?
Is there a difference between #3 and #4?

 

[me & my baby]

3 setups up fast an 4 just gives you a little bit longer work time .

 

[mfinn]

3 setups up fast an 4 just gives you a little bit longer work time .

got it.
thanks

 

[vandy]

That was heated with a heat gun and formed and glued back in 2008 and it held for me for 8+ years and the guy I sold it to is still using it so 17 years with no issues.

you have a build thread or anything for this? Would be interested in seeing the process

 

[me & my baby]

That was heated with a heat gun and formed and glued back in 2008 and it held for me for 8+ years and the guy I sold it to is still using it so 17 years with no issues.

you have a build thread or anything for this? Would be interested in seeing the process

I did till the whole photobucket issue

 

[me & my baby]

3 setups up fast an 4 just gives you a little bit longer work time .

got it.
thanks

Your welcome let me now if there is anything I can help you with

 

[Freenow54]

You need something like Weldon. Superglue doesn’t bond the acrylic. When using Weldon 4 or 16 it’s chemically fuses the acrylic together to where it’s one solid piece .

According to My research Weldon 4 is the best unless you have gaps. Then Weldon 16 . That said is it reef safe ?

 

[Freenow54]

Again research it actually melts the acrylic , and bonds it together then evaporates or flashes off . Wow I am really glad I asked

 

[me & my baby]

Again research it actually melts the acrylic , and bonds it together then evaporates or flashes off . Wow I am really glad I asked

I hope it helps you out . It’s the right tool for the right job

 

[Kazumi]

I would use and have use weldon 16. It is the thicker version of 3 or 4. I have found that 3 and 4 are way too think and runny.

 

[UncommonSense]

According to My research Weldon 4 is the best unless you have gaps. Then Weldon 16 . That said is it reef safe ?

Yup, they are reef safe.

Weldon #3, and #4 are very, very thin liquids; you need a very precisely sanded/finished acrylic panel to joint together with these or you will get bubbles, and likely leaks (these are also typically wicked into the joint via capillary action due to their “watery” low surface tension… Weldon 16 is more viscous, and does fill some gaps; it isn’t typically considered to be as strong as some other products, but is definitely easier to apply!

You don't like #3?
Is there a difference between #3 and #4?

These solvents create an exothermic reaction; #3 can actually get the acrylic got enough to start forming an opaque haze in the joint if you over-apply!

 

[Freenow54]

That is what Cyanoacrylate does its a white haze out of the actual joint and if enough pressure is applied it will break apart. That's the thin stuff the thicker stuff works better but not perfect so again thanks now I am armed for futcher DIY projects

 

[mfinn]

These solvents create an exothermic reaction; #3 can actually get the acrylic got enough to start forming an opaque haze in the joint if you over-apply!

I used #3 in the past with fairly decent results.
I made a sump ( with premade cut panels), and several other projects that included sealing magnets inside acrylic and other art type projects.
I found that constant movement when using the needle tip applicator created nice clear joints.
I would have liked to work more with acrylic, but just didn't have the needed equipment.

 

[Freenow54]

I used #3 in the past with fairly decent results.
I made a sump ( with premade cut panels), and several other projects that included sealing magnets inside acrylic and other art type projects.
I found that constant movement when using the needle tip applicator created nice clear joints.
I would have liked to work more with acrylic, but just didn't have the needed equipment.

try Japanese pull saws to cut it 15 -24 teeth per inch most have a spine on the back to keep the blade stiff since the They are meant to cut miters joints in wood but some don't

 

[mfinn]

try Japanese pull saws to cut it 15 -24 teeth per inch most have a spine on the back to keep the blade stiff since the They are meant to cut miters joints in wood but some don't

I was thinking a router table big enough to handle larger pieces. Even hand held routers with spiral bits. I was also thinking joiners. Then having the flat work surface to do this.