Plastic welder

[inspector2359]

I ran accross this plastic welder at Harbor Freight Tools today.It looks like what I have heard described on this site as the type welder needed for our boats.($29.99 on sale ). Check it out at "www.harborfreight.com"--part #41592---- :wink:

Hi all,
I thought I would weigh-in on the "welder" issue. I have corrected several items on my 17CC that were dealer inspired and/or modifications of a non-structural nature. I have utilized a Seelye welder which utilizes a compressed air stream and heating element. Great little item, especially if you are making stuff out of Starboard or minor repairs. The welder that is utilized by the factory and available to dealers is of the "extrusion" variety. It heats and dispenses the HDPE with some force, nice but around $3K.

For small repairs, an electric paint-stripping gun (used carefully) and HDPE welding rod really does the trick. Melting the powder in an old skillet and applying with a drywall knife is also a good method. It depends upon the amount and degree of repair that needs to be done, and how far away from a dealer you happen to be. I'm about 250+ miles away from any dealer I would allow to touch my hull.

[Dick@merrittmarine]

The plastic welder looks exactly like the one that we are going to supply but we are going to include welding rod and powder that matches the boats. Our cost on the welder is $45, by the time that we mark up for our cost efforts and profits, we would be selling the kit for $79.

Dick

[NCangler]

Dick, Put me down for one for my 2003 210cc. And thanks for making this available to us. I also need a couple of tubes of Rule.
Randy

[Dick@merrittmarine]

Randy, No problen with the welding kit, just remember it needs a source of air. We always stock Rule. Have a great Thanksgiving , I'll be back at MM on Monday the 29th.

[foul-hooked]

Dick
I just purchased the plastic welder from Harbor Freight.
I decided to put the welder to the test by welding two pieces of ropalene.

Using my compressor @ 2-3psi and the welding tip hot, I heated both the side and face of two large pieces. (trying to weld them perpendicular to each other)
After heating both surfaces I pressed them together.
The heated plastic sufaces oozing out at the joint.

After letting the jointed pieces cool, I tested the bond and it failed.
The two pieces broke apart with little force.

I also tried to prep the suface w/ methy ethyl ketone on my second try,which worked a little better.

Is there a special primer or surface prep needed before welding ropalene???

Thx

[wallytrier]

Plastic welding can be almost as solid as metal welding, however preperation is important in both. Before plastic welding, surfaces must be clean, dry , and scuffed. I weld plastic professionally in my business repairing plastic auto bumpers, and the first action I take is to clean the area as well a possible. Next, if it is a crack, I drill a hole at the ends of the crack so it will not go any further. I then "V" the crack as large as practical so that the new plastic can get a grip on as much rough material as possible. I do this "V" with an air grinder, but course sand paper and elbow grease will work too. Then go ahead and weld and finish as per instructions or conditions allow. Good luck!

[Dick@merrittmarine]

We use the same procedures as WALLYTRIER. Clean is the "name of the game", We use a old style can opener, V style, to open cracks for welding. Using welding rod, It's a lot like Brazing, use the rod as a filler.

Dick

[foul-hooked]

thanks
for the prep info. Ive sweated copper and Mig welded steel, but never welded plastic. Thanks for the tips!

I just spoke to Dick @ Marritt Marine and ordered welding rod. (nice guy)
Nice to know that somebody (Dick) on the inside cares about us plastic boaters.

I'll give it another try once I get the welding rod.

[MolarBoater]

Just gave the wife my Harbor Freight Chrismas list. Plastic welder and heat gun what more could a Triumph owner want.