Microwave Management

[cavu]

Do any of you who use microwaves to heat your plastic experience any difficulty maintaining a consistant heat? I am using an older, small microwave that does not have a turntable. Also, it is an old analog model, that is, there is only one power setting and the time must be set on a dial type switch. No digital stuff!

It seems I can get the heat right on the first pour, but as I try to keep the heat up to pouring consisty, I scorch the plastic.

Do I need to upgrade my microwave?

[Mylures]

Hi there , I am not into pouring plastics but I do think you need a newer microwave. You can control the heat. To me it would be like having a gas stove and turning it on high. If you leave it that high it will burn whatever you are doing. If the plastic gets to where you want it, you may be able to set the heat setting to 75% or 50 % or whatever it takes to keep your plastic pourable. Small Microwaves aren't all that expensive and I think you would solve your problem. Hope this helps and happy pouring. Ken Schmitz Mylures

[woodsac]

There is definitely a BIG difference in microwaves! I started out with an old one that was in the garage. It worked, but it was way too much trouble. I bought a new one at Wal-Mart for about $35. It's the kind with the round timer, not digital. I'm glad I bought that one, that way I just open and close the door. No pushing start or stop or resetting time. It has 3 temp settings on it. I use the lowest one. It takes me longer to heat up plastic then most people say, but it also keeps me from burning it if I walk away for a minute. :oops:

[cavu]

Ken & jake

Thanks for the input. I went to WalMart today and picked up one of the $30 microwaves. Initial results seem to support you observations. Time will tell if I continue to scorch the plastic. Right now, medium power at one minute intervals with stiring in between and after the first pour low power re-heats seems to be working fime.

Thanks!