Plastic Usuage

[Anonymous]

I have a question, I have not tried this, can a person melt plastic forks, knives, spoons into usable moulds for train modeling purposes. I would believe using a outdoor gas grill would be the only way to perform any of this type of model making. The melting point is the problem and the resulting
workability of this type of plastic.

Thanks
mikadousrp

[Anonymous]

Not sure how good it would work. Just be carefull of the fumes and make sure the EPA isn't lurking in the bushes[;)]

[wd8jik]

Most plastic items are injected molding.
I can't think of a way to melt the plastic into a large usable amount of material.
When the heated plastic reaches the melting point it would give off fumes which I'm sure are flamable or even explosive.
Be careful when you melt the plastic, as I remember from my childhood when they first used plastic for toy planes we set them on fire and the dripping plastic hurt like crazy when you got it on you.

I think I would stay away from trying to use plastic in this way.

[Anonymous]

I would use two part epoxy modelling putties instead. The good old 'greenstuff' that is very familiar to anybody who has done any custom work with wargaming figures. With care and practice almost any component can be made as a one off part.

Annie

[kstrong]

You'll have far better luck using a casting resin such as Alumilite or similar. Less hassle, no toxic fumes, no high heat. Pour that into a mold--either RTV or simple modeling clay, and you're off and running. With the plastic, you'd need a crucible to keep the material moltent to pour it into a usible mold.

Later,

K

[vsmith]

i second the cast resin suggestion, same results, far far safer conditions.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Folks

mikadousrp