How hard is styrene to work with?

[IRB Souther Engineer]

I am new to scratchbuilding and I want to know How hard is styrene to work with?

 thanks

[vsmith]

TIZ EASY

Basic tools: Xacto knives, razor saw, jewelers files, metal straight edges and small triangles, cutting mat. have since also added Dremel tool.

[Jerry Barnes]

 

Probably the easiest stuff there is to work with. I use tin snips to cut the thinner stuff, table saw for thicker. Glues easily, you can buy all sorts of shapes to help you out.

[cabbage]

Very easy to work with!

 

I build onto a plywood "chassis" as they have to take the knocks from small enthusiastic users...

regards

ralph
 

[IRB Souther Engineer]

Thanks for the help...

another question: What type of paint and glue do you use on styrene?

 

Thanks again

[ttrigg]

Ralph:  OK, I’ll ask the question. What is it?  That “car” looks like something sheriff john would use to transport prisoners.  Or, is it a “money transport car”?

[cabbage]

 Tom,

You are missing the rest... That "Car" is the centre section for a Krokodil type locomotive(!)

I normally use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and Thick Super Glue (CA) for building my ABS sheets with.  You can use epoxies on large areas -but be warned the heat from "curing" can warp thin panels.

regards

ralph 

[altterrain]

 Yup, fairly easy to work with even with basic tools -

 

Like Ralph said - MEK based solvents work best (use in well ventilated areas). I like Ambroid ProWeld and Plastruct Bondene and PlasticWeld (one sets faster). CAs (super glues) work too especially for plastic to metal.

I usually use ordinary spray enamel paints. Washing the plastic first with soapy water is a good idea.

Acrylic paints (good spray or brush on) work well too.

-Brian

[IRB Souther Engineer]

another question: can styrene be left in the rain?

[ttrigg]

So it’s a Kroc!  Good work, but since I’m not into krock’s, I still like it as a “gold bullion” car.

[altterrain]

 Yes, but depending on the thickness and construction sun/high heat can warp it.

-Brian

[lownote]

 Styrene is waterproof but ultraviolet can damege it--it should eb ainted

 

for glue it's really easy to just use ordinary laquer thinner. It fuses the pieces together. You cqn put a little on a brush and it will wick into the joint

[Ray Dunakin]

As others have said, styrene is extremely easy to work with. I only started using it extensively over the past year or so, and I now consider it my favorite material. . . . . . . Yes, it's weatherproof. Sun will warp large thin sections unless they are adequately braced. UV will destroy styrene quickly but painting protects it considerably. I also top off with a coat or two of Krylon's UV clear, either in matte or gloss as desired. . . . . . . . BTW, styrene can even be used to simulated heavily weathered wooden structures. Here's a building I'm currently working on for my desert-themed layout: . . . . .   . . . . . . . . . . .

[g. gage]

Styrene is easy to work with and can duplicate nearly any material. You can saw it and cut it with a modeling knife or shears, but I usually lay a straight edge along the cut line and scribe it a few times and snap in it two. I always paint styrene, usually with spray cans. Have fun, Rob

[IRB Souther Engineer]

where is the best place to buy styrene

thanks

[ttrigg]

IRB Souther Engineer

where is the best place to buy styrene thanks

Try your Local Hobby Shop (LHS) first.  You just might see something else you need while there.  He/She needs your business.  Secondly, try the vendors that advertise in the mag.