microwaving plastic

[earthworm77]

guys, I am about to experiment with the microwave. how long should I cook the plastic to get the desired clear drippy consistency for pouring. Can this be done in one shot or do you heat it multiple times?

[Mercury]

It does depend on the plastic used and all, But a good rule of thumb is 2+ mins it should be nearing the thickening stage, by 3 mins it should be close to the pouring stage.

But it does depend BIG time on the power of your microwave.

I have one from wal-mart (magic chef) that was like 35.00. 3 min's to 3:30 is good for me using 8 sz of 536 or calhouns.

After a while you will get used to your microwave and know how long is just long enough.

Jeff

[alsworms]

One thing that works for me is I'll heat for about 2 minutes, then add my color, glitter, and scent. This will keep your materials from burning. Then like Jeff said, another minute or so and it should be ready.

I have a hot plate on medium heat right next to the micro. Once your mixture is ready, you can transfer to the hot plate to keep it warm.

Chris

[earthworm77]

Thanks guys. Chris, do you do the majority of your pouring this way or do you use pots?

[alsworms]

The only time I use pots anymore is for pouring large orders of single colors, and I never use them with salt in the mixture. Clogs the spout, and my kids don't like me cussing.

Microwave and hot plates work just fine for me. I have looked in to the Sta-Warm pots, but they're a little too expensive for my blood.

Chris

[Pop]

Hi Chris. Can you elaborate a little more on the "stay warm pots". What are they? Thanks, Pop

[earthworm77]

I've tried it, pouring from ladle type pourers and I just can't get it neat....any tips?

[alsworms]

Pop,

There's a company called Sta-Warm that makes huge production pots. You can view their website at www.sta-warm.com

I believe Scot from SR Plastics mentioned them in a post awhile back (Scott.....if it wasn't you I apologize). I called them at the time, but they are mega expensive. I can't remember off hand what the prices were, but they were way too much for me. Momma would kill me if I spent that kinda money.

Craig,

A good way to learn with the microwave is to get yourself a few of those little 4 ounce cups that Lure Craft has. Once you have your plastic ready, you can transfer into those cups from the pyrex. Just make sure you have a hot plate handy; not too hot - about medium heat is all you need to keep the plastic nice without burning it.

[Senkosam]

Craig, not knowing the microwave's power, it might be a good idea to zap at 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Too much time will darken even clear plastic and flakes curl badly over 350. It also depends on how much you're trying to melt and whether your using up old plastic. The latter requires extra care, but don't expect metal flakes to stay whole or salt to stay suspended. The flour salt I use, makes pouring a lot easier and I don't add it or flakes until the plastic cools a little.

I have small and medium pyrex cups which, for me, pour fine details (curl tails and appendages) easier than using the large size.

I made the mistake of adding scent to hot plastic and got popping bubbles that wouldn't stop for 5 minutes. I was able to salvage the plastic and pour, but won't do that again!

Frank

[BigZ]

I have 2 lee pots, and like Chris said, they are pretty much a cause of swearing with any salt in them. I use the nuker, and I agree with the 2 minutes and then check it rule.It usually only takes 3:15 to 3:30 to be ready to go.Stir your plastic at least once during the heating phase.

The handiest item I have is a Raytek IR Thermometer with laser pointer, it tells you exactly how hot your plastic is (OK, +- 1 degree). I always add the glitter LAST, to avoid curling, fires ( MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NONMETALLIC GLITTER!) and/or settling. Avoid adding scent to the plastic before heating unless you want the microwave and everything else in the vicinity to stink. If you eat out of the same microwave forget it!. If you use enough garlic stink, you will not have to worry about Dracula...

[Pop]

Chris and anyone else who can contribute info.

I have some various size pyrex cups but never have been able to find a small measuring cup. The smallest has been 16oz then there is probably enough room for another 16oz in the cup. This morning I stopped at Walmart and found an "Anchor" 8oz glass measuring cup which I purchased because I figured it would be easier to pour with. After getting home and removing the label, the underside says "Caution: Do not use on top of stove or under broiler - breakage can occur. Do not add liquid to hot cup, place a hot cup on a wet or cold surface or handle with a wet cloth. Avoid impact, handle with care." This tells me that pyrex is the only brand that hasn't had these warnings. I like what Chris does after microwaving and putting on a medium heat burner. With this new measuring cup I don't think I will be able to do that. I guess my question is, is Pyrex brand cup the only one to buy and what size cups is everyone pouring with. Thanks, Pop

[BigZ]

Maybe you should read the thread on exploding pyrex...The one way to find out if it good or not is to try it (Using proper protective gear). Even Pyrex isn't failsafe. I think you get a smoother pour with less liquid in the cup anyway, so maybe the larger volume is better...

[BASS8BAITS]

Chris,

How do you keep the plastic from running down the side of the 4oz lure craft cup? When i pour with the lure craft cup the plastic wants to run down the side of the cup.

[Mercury]

I use a small block of "scrap" plastic and wipe the pour spout to stop the drips and dribbles. If you are using a cup from a hot plate or microwave both have the same drip off the pour spout.

And POP the Pyrex cup can and will blow out from time to time. Extream heat/cooling can do it. As far as a small cup I use 4 -1 cup and 2 -2 cup pyrex cups. I would recomend having a small aluminum plate go between the hot plate and the cups. Even heating so you dont have any hot spots would help you from "blowing" a cup.

A year ago I had a hot plastic injector blow the hot plastic back ontto my hand and gave me a burn so bad that I do use gloves while pouring. THe Mechanix gloves I use protect you against heat if the cup is hot and if you get plastic on your skin.

Jeff

[BASS8BAITS]

I only have this problem with lure craft 4oz cups from the hote plate. I dont have this problem using pyrex cups from the microwave. I think it is the shape of the pour spout on lure crafts cups. Any suggestions?

[alsworms]

Tip the cups and hold them upright in a way that the bottom of the cup is like the spout. Make sure you have the cup far enough away from the mold to see clearly. It takes a lot of practice to get used to pouring off the bottom of the cup. The only other way to solve the problem is to pour with less plastic, like 2 ounces at a time.

[Pop]

I microwave my plastic then transfer to a couple pouring pans. I pour 2oz at a time from the pan keeping the other on the hot plate. I do this from Chris's previous suggestions. Works just fine. To make more precise pours, I just squeezed my spout a little closer together with pliers. Will see how this works next pouring. Pop

[alsworms]

Good point Pop. I forgot to mention that I bend the cups to make the spout smaller. If you try to use them the way the come, you'll have a bunch of problems.

Chris