Does anyone know of a good way to bend acrylic w/o having to buy a expensive heating strip?
DIY Acrylic Heating Strip (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Hellaenergy
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montiporalova
Senior Member
propane torch .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkjsPrWT0Ic
or go to A1 acrylics and ask the guy working there how to build one. he makes his using sheet rock and coiled wire as the heating element. the cost of materials cost more than 10$, but in the end, each unit probably cost him less than 2$ in materials. he's the man to ask for a DIY acylic bender.
i found a super cheap heating element like the one in the youtube video for 1$ plus shipping, but dont expect to get that lucky...
or go to A1 acrylics and ask the guy working there how to build one. he makes his using sheet rock and coiled wire as the heating element. the cost of materials cost more than 10$, but in the end, each unit probably cost him less than 2$ in materials. he's the man to ask for a DIY acylic bender.
i found a super cheap heating element like the one in the youtube video for 1$ plus shipping, but dont expect to get that lucky...
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corey your scaring me
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I believe this would involve a little trial and error :biggrin:
I use a heat gun. Just have to be careful to move it around so you don't overheat one spot. I usually make a wood form to clamp and then bend the piece on. It will take quite a while to get the plastic soft enough to bend and it will be hot so wear gloves. If you are trying to make a large bend you may want to get a second heat gun and have a helper. Its hard to keep a long bend hot enough. What are you making?
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I want to make a couple mounts and a hang on self for my skimmer. And who knows what else down the line
I took parts from an old toaster a few years ago and it worked well until it fell of my workbench...
justd1
Senior Member
Axeman on University Ave. has insulated heating elements for $1. They're about 24" long. Pick up a cord for 50 cents and you're halfway there.
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Nice tip thanks :biggthumpup:
I don't think those are meant to be out of water
where do u see or read that its not suppost to be out of water
i bend alot of acrylic with this
http://www.aquacave.com/500w-titanium-heating-brelement-by-jalli-1626.html#
don't for get to unplug when u done then u good,,
I believe somewhere on the product or the product package or the sheet included with the package it will say "submersible only"
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"The heater has a built-in temperature sensing switch; if the heater accidently is exposed to open air during heating process, the temperature sensing switch will automatically cut off the power."
That kinda suggests that it's not meant for open air. The one saving grace is the titanium won't crack. But, if it works for you cool
"The heater has a built-in temperature sensing switch; if the heater accidently is exposed to open air during heating process, the temperature sensing switch will automatically cut off the power."
That kinda suggests that it's not meant for open air. The one saving grace is the titanium won't crack. But, if it works for you cool
not all heater will cut off when its out of water ,,,u must have a glass heater then,,,
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here is how i bend wood, i think it will work for acrylic
get a 4 inch steel pipe and 24 inchs long. Clamp it to something metal (make sure that puppy is on there tight" take a small propane torch and stick it in one end and light it. wait 3 minutes till the pipe gets hot.
now you have a bending tube. works great for wood
get a 4 inch steel pipe and 24 inchs long. Clamp it to something metal (make sure that puppy is on there tight" take a small propane torch and stick it in one end and light it. wait 3 minutes till the pipe gets hot.
now you have a bending tube. works great for wood