Plastic Welder

I purchased a plastic welder from Harbor Freight and was wondering what everyone is using for an air source. Hope all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[OspreyVic]

Hello greyoldchief.

My plastic welder came from Merritt Marine. I have not used it on the boat yet, but I have played with it a little.

I use a Sears Craftsman 2 HP Verticle Portable Tank Air Compressor with a 33 gallon tank. I wanted something big enough to drive the Craftsman Dual Action Sander, and other air tools. If I am going to use the welder on the boat, then I need to use the sander, so better have an Air Compressor that will drive both.

[MolarBoater]

I use a CH contractor compressor with a 5.5 Honda 4 stroke gas engine (Home Depot/Lowes). Much more of a pain to use but can run continuously to blow snow! We are the only house in Alabama with snow for the past two Christmas's.
Hope you all have a White Chirstmas,
Molar

[cagrove]

I use a small pancake compressor that I use to run my nail guns when framing/applying trim to my basement refinishing project.

[Island_Diver]

I was thinking that since I bought this Triumph (should have it in a week or so), should I invest in a plastic welder? I have no experience with plastic welding but not foreign to tools and working with my hands.

So three questions...

1. Do I need one?

2. Are they easy to learn how to use?

3. What is the best model to get for ease of use and quality/durability?

Thanks for the help,
Mike

[MolarBoater]

Mike, all they are far as I can tell is a heat gun that blows a fine, stronge, hot stream of air that can be aimed. You get a plastic "rod" and melt it onto other plastic. I like filling stripped screw holes or other holes no longer used with it. You could also "tack" weld with it but haven't done so yet and not sure of the strength. The Triumph dealers use some very expensive ones but $30-50 is all you need and runs on less than 15psi. An inexpensive electric compressor is all you would need.

[ReelDive]

As an air source for most everything I use a SCUBA tank with an old regulator 1st stage and adjust it for apout 90 psi. Wouldn't recomend this to just any one though as tanks are filled to 3000+psi (80 cu ') and if misshandled can become a BOMB! also if you don't have your own compressor, fills can cost $4-$12.