finlander Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 I've read how to melt it using micrwaves, Lee's pots, electric burners. Has anyone tried a double broiler method??? Or won't it get to a temp hot enough to pour?? I was thinkin bout taking the Coleman propane stove outside tomorrow...supposed to be windy...annoy the neighbors with the smell.....any thoughts??? Thanks, the Finn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 Dual burners work great, but I never liked pouring outside because of the wind. As for temperature, they get plenty hot. It just takes a little longer to get there. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted July 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 I searched in tacklemaking.com and found one guy using a diffusion plate, as he called it, a 6 x 6 ceramic plate, over an electric hot plate, so his plastic wouldn't fry. The smell that occurs when scorching has me nervous. Don't want to kill my parrots and stink up the house. Any ideas on what type of pan to use over a flame? or a coffee can inside a pan of water? or a diffusion/ceramic piece that would hol up to a flame? Thanks the rookie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercury Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 aluminum pans will spread the heat out and have more uniform dispersion. They are cheep go to good will/salvation army depots, or any 2nd hand shop. steel pans create hot spots that will burn the plastics, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted July 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 UPDATE! update!! Just found a microwave and paid WAY TOO much $5.00 but its old, 20 years. It's massive and powerful. I have a reheat setting on it as well as full power, the old turndial controls. I have never seen posts on settings on the microwaves, when melting plastics. So, I'll wait abit before annoying the neighbors with the odor...see if any posts arrive on the power setting question...thanks to all....the Finn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 Place your plastic (in a pyrex cup) on high for about 2 minutes. Take it out, mix in your glitter, then go another 2 minutes and you should be ready to rock and roll. You can either pour directly from the pyrex cup or transfer into the pots or even a cup on a burner. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted July 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 Round one-melted for 1 minute on semi-high=no change in plastic. Next minute on HIGH=softened plastic that I stirred. Then still on HIGH, I set timer for 3 1/2 minutes, stopping after 1 3/4 minutes to find it percolating. stirred some more, put in 1 more minute, then pulled it out, still bubbling of course. Poured it into pvc mold, still bubbling, popping etc. Finally settled down before I came inside. Not sure how it will come out but I think I need to find a lower temp setting..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercury Posted July 27, 2003 Report Share Posted July 27, 2003 bubbles and poping are generaly signs of water or excessice moisture. If you continbue to cook the plastic (after you let it cool down for a while) and reheat it the bubbles should "cook out" I wouldnt heat it past the consistancy of syrup. You have agood chance of burning the plastic, changing the color etc..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted July 28, 2003 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2003 I backed off on the power abit and the severe bubbling subsided. I am remelting plstic bodies I already have. I think I will add some texture to the mold and re-pour. I was disappointed how they turned out, too thick, but probably durable. Thanks Jerry and all who responded to my many questions. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted July 29, 2003 Report Share Posted July 29, 2003 It was likely too hot and started boiling. At times if you use scent, when added, scents that contain water will bubble. this is merely the water burning off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
