Modding Heatgun alternative?

I'd like to do a mod using fabricated plexiglass, but I don't have a Heatgun.. any alternatives?

 

A heatgun is really needed.

You can find them at industrial shops.
Or at a Scrapbook store.
(I only know this because my parents own a store)

 

how big a piece we talking here?
Because you *could* use a toaster, hold the plexi over the slot where you need to bend

 

Hair dryer? Though that's prolly not hot enough.

 

blowtorch should work, use a low flame, or just experiment with diff flames, if u can get a heat reflector for it, that would be gr8t

 

I've never had to shape acrylic (yet), but seems to me an option may be to build a form, put the acrylic on it (maybe tape it on) and stick it in a hot oven for a bit.


Mmmmmmm..... Roasted acrylic..........

 

Didn't work for me.

Strip heaters will work. I have always been tempted to make one but wasn't sure how without electrocuting myself or starting something on fire. Basically it’s a plug with two metal wires that heat up, shouldn't be too hard.

Any ideas about making one, I'll be the first to try it.

abombss

 

an oven would work.. but I think I'll end up just buying a cheap one for 30$. Thx for the advice

 

I have been working with some plexi lately and the heatgun is the best way to do it. You will have a better job with less pain. I also found that forms work great. But watch the tape around the heat gun. They like to melt anything they can.

If you are making a long bend say around 20" long, Then a strip heater would be better but I have made a heat gun will work.

 

If you want accuracy in your design, heat strips work well, if you can stand it to be a little off, then the heatgun is the way to go.

I recently did a project where I had to bend an acrylic rod symmetrically. Unfortunately I didn't have a heat strip and it wasn't so symmetrical.

 

Stick gas soldering irons normally come with hot air (heat gun) accessories and are pretty cheap You should be able to find one for <$20 Never tried to use it on plexi but it should work...

Rob.

 

hey, I have a soldering iron. I think you may have saved me some cash I was going to just bend the sides of the acrylic, but is it possible to melt it into molds, creating custom shapes?? That would be sweet.

 

i think so, look into vaccum forming...

 

Vacum forming is great mucked about with it in school made a wicked car body out of wood then formed plastic around int Well neat shell now im in college 4years later havn't touched one since

 

Heatgun... and then refund it next day?

 

I just got another heat gun at Harbor freight day before yesterday for $13... it's your best all around option. You could get a heat strip bender from an acrylic supplier but they cost as much or more as a heat gun.

 

For the smaller heatshrink (about 1/8" diameter), I usually just break out a Bic lighter and hold it a couple inches below the heatshrink. It works just fine as long as you don't get too close.

I really doubt anything other than a heatgun would work for plexiglas, though. If you spend the money on one now, at least you'll have it later when you need itiagain.