PVC Welding

[Bob]

Many years ago some PVC welding was done where I work to build a none conductive antenna mast.

Does anyone know anything about welding PVC. I'd guess it's done with very hot air rather than a flame to keep from carbonizing.

I'm thinking mostly making "tubular frame stuff"; probably nothing larger than 3" sch 80.

Bob

[Willy Victor]

A good plastic welder will cost you in the neighborhood of a couple hundred bucks.


Willy

[Willy Victor]

A good plastic welder will cost you in the neighborhood of a couple hundred bucks.


Willy


Go to Arizonatools.com

[Hotfoot]

Hey, Bob, maybe consider internal slip fit pipe with glue joints..Invisible, strong, cheap way out! The Plastic Welding I've tried distorted the surface of the plastic with the heat (sunken spots), so making nice. neat joints might prove a problem... Solvent Weld!!

[Some Creep]

Done a bunch of plastic welding. Yes, it's done with a hot-air iron and plastic (matching material) rod. HF sell cheap versions of the system, but I can't speak to their quality. The unit I used was a bit more elaborate and expensive than the one HF sells. The thicker the material, the greater the need to bevel the joint just like metal welding.

[Roger]

I saw some 3 ft diameter plastic drain pipe down on the beach that had welded T joints. Looked just like steel weld. Maybe it was ABS plastic. Looked like larger version of 6 inch plastic drain pipe at Lowes.

[mwoh419]

Willy,

That plastic welder looks pretty slick. Gonna have to check that out more. Been "welding" plastic for 20 years with a soldering iron. Always had to "borrow" material from an inconspicuous area. Plastic seemed to be slightly more brittle than original. Most would blend when heated some wouldn't. Bakelite is impossible. Doesn't melt. Just sits there and smokes. That machine would make it alot easier. ---Mike---