ABS Plastic Welding 1

[tripleZ]

Any good DIY books on learning to "weld" ABS plastic? I'm looking to repair some motorcycle fairings, and while the small-tipped soldering iron works for external bonding, I'm guessing I'm not fixing the entire crack. I've heard there are some chemicals that do the trick, but am curious if there are any special methods out there for other DIYers.

Thanks!

 

[patprimmer]

A hot air gun and ABS welding rod is the normal method. I think it is quite easy. The equipment and materials suppliers will be able to provide information.
I think from memory, methylene chloride is the best solvent for solvent bonding, but it is a bit nasty to use as it is a chlorinated hydrocarbon with a small mobile molecule.

I would certainly look up the MSDS before using it.

Acetone might also work.

To make a solvent cement, dissolve some scrap ABS into the solvent to get the desired viscosity and build on drying characteristics you want.

Regards

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[hankie]

plastic welding is a little too course your AP.
abs can be purchased cheaply in sheet form
in thicknesses from 1/16 to 1,1/2
it is easy to machine and best of all bonds with
readily available liquid cements
check mc master carr
you can form it with a heat gun
it takes paint and can be hand worked.
i would ad a backup strip on the hidden side of the fairing
by bonding it
then use the flexible filler available in a diy kit form
from napa and repair the visible side that way

 

[patprimmer]

I would just weld the hidden side and use body filler to fix the appearance of the visible side. It really does not need to be made any more complicated that that.

Regards

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Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[tripleZ]

That's exactly what I ended up doing Pat. I found some of the liquid you mentioned (I'd have to read the bottle again to get the chemical makeup...they sell the stuff at Farm & Fleet), built it up a little from behind, added some mat'l to the front followed by sanding to smooth, then did some very light body filler coats to even out the inconsistencies. And of course, more sanding.

Thanks to everyone for their advice.