cseega12 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Hello. I am wondering just how harmful it is to use my microwave in my kitchen for melting plastic? I am using green plastic, open the windows, and make sure to never over cook it. I've been cleaning out the microwave after I use it for plastic..... but its also the microwave we use for food. Even if I clean out the microwave am I contaminating the food? I'm "getting around to" buying a plastic only microwave, but even then I don't have an outdoor space to work. How harmful is that? Suggestions? Fan in window? Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetickhound Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Don't do it. Spend $50 and go to WalMart. Get a microwave that will be dedicated to plastisol and plastisol only. The fumes are harmful and this all needs to be done in the garage (if you have one) or outside in an unconfined area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetickhound Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 If you don't have an outside area to work space do you have a spare room away from the kitchen? You really should make every effort to keep your plastic bait making area away from the kitchen.... A fan in the window to vent the fumes outside is a must. I would advise wearing some sort of mask (preferably a ventilator mask), eye protection and gloves while doing all this also... 350 degree plastisol can do nasty things to you (inside and out) if you let it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cseega12 Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Thanks for the advice. I will move the hobby to the spare bedroom. I live pretty far from a Walmart..... thats why I am "getting around" to a plastisol only microwave. I'll probably drive up to get one this week. But.... I have been using out kitchen microwave. Does anyone know.... is it "ruined" & unfit for food now? Even after cleaning it out? It is an expensive one (wedding gift) so hoping I didn't kill that one! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gone2long Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I think it all depends on how long you used it, plastisol leaves a heavy oily residue over time and if that's the case I would not use it for food you can't clean the internal fan parts and they likely would be affected, again this all depends on how long you used it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I would replace the one in the kitchen............period. Do not pour in your house. It will leave a film on your curtains,upolstery, etc. but that stuff can be replaced. Use the search engine about proper ventilation sytems. Make shift sytems like box fans at an open window is BS.......if anyone tells you different,they don't know what they're talking about. Rule of thumb is, if you can smell it.....you're breathing it! Sound a bit harsh? Congestion, nosebleeds, Migraines are not coincidences.....and those are just the minor consequences! It's a great hobby, but you must take the proper precautions................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetickhound Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 True enough, but if a fan at the window is all you got, I'd rather use that than nothing at all.... Personally, I don't use a microwave at all... Hot plates and Presto pots are my heating methods of choice. Same fumes i know, but microwaving ANYTHING (be it food, plastic or otherwise...) is a dicey proposition in mind.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cseega12 Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Hmmm... Thanks for the advice and info. Learning more about venting is almost bumming me out. I have no garage or shed & wouldn't want to get into an extensive ventilation system. Think just working outside would do? ....take the fan outside too. It would have to be a hobby depending on the weather.... it gets down to 20 below in the winter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaBehr Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Read the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the brand of plastic you are using. PVC itself is not especially bad (it's used in a bunch of products you use in your house everyday) but the plasticizer is probably "not good". I only use formulas that are "Phthalate free" in that phthalates are know cancer causing chemical. If you used you home microwave a few times, you're probably ok if you wipe it out ...and wash any filter. If it's a table top type..don't take the chance. My it your bait microwave and buy a new one for food. If you pour outside...be REALLY careful about allowing a drop of water (like rain or sweat) drop into your hot plastic. The water will instantly turned to steam...creating a potential for hot plastic to splatter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetickhound Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Look at it this way.... Now you HAVE your plastics only microwave!! Now you just need to buy a new one for the chow.... In the meantime, just cook food in the oven or on the stove like us old folks used to do before them thar newfangled contraptions got invented!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutSupport.com Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 You can also pic up decent used microwave at a pawn shop. Save a few bucks, got my hot plate there as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cseega12 Posted July 10, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 Thanks again. I went to the local thrift store today, scored a microwave and a table to pour on for $12! Thanks for the water tip... I'll do it under the carport & I'll look into my manufacture safety info. Ha, oven....yes I know it well. The busy persons solution to cooking....cook once a week in large batches, then microwave the leftovers for the week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhahn427 Posted July 10, 2013 Report Share Posted July 10, 2013 Well, I would get myself down to Walmart or order a new Microwave and use the 1 you just ruined for food for your lure building. Plastisol doesn't belong in food ....... grounds for the dog house if you are married. Also don't do this indoors. If you microwave too long you will have poisionous smoke throughout the house/apartment and a smell that will linger for a long time. If you don't have the proper space then don't do it. Buying lures is cheaper anyway unless you are making a ton of them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
