[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Re: Polyethylene
On Wed, 13 Nov 1996, Tesla List wrote:
> > I'd like some advice please. I am wanting to finish my hi-V
> >scope probe off by filling the tube. I thought about the ease with
> >which hot-melt runs and thought, yeah - polyethylene. I have a large
> >collection of old copier toner HDPE bottles. I tried melting a few in
> >a pot to pour into the probe tube. I reckon at around 180 degrees C
> >in the oven the stuff was on the verge of burning but still nowhere
> >near molten. Does anyone have some advice on either how I can do this
> >or a suggestion for an alternative filling? I could use wax I guess.
> >
> >Malcolm
Here's something you can try. I got this recipe years ago from an
old-time coiler, but have never tried it, so caveat emptor...
Make a high temp double boiler by adding salt to boiling water until
no more will dissolve. Melt paraffin wax in the double boiler. When
melted, start adding slivers of flexible polyethylene (translucent coffee
can lids, etc...). Stir well to keep the poly from sticking and browning.
When about 1/2 the poly is melted, add more (keeping the water level about
an inch higher than the paraffin/plastic level). As soon as a hint of
cloudiness appears, or the consistancy of thin oil appears, stop adding
poly and stir a little longer.
The mixture can then be cast and when cool, can be carved, drilled,
or sawed.
Good luck, and if you try this, let us know how it works.
Steve Roys