Got some projects that would be better off being built with plastics such as ABS or PVC.

I've seen the professional type plastic welders and I have no intention of spending that kind of money

The pictured unit is less than $40 on eBay and Harbor Freight has them for $30.
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Hmmm

I have not used one.

There was an article in the Home Shop Machinist awhile ago. One of these was used to make a PVC fender and parts for an electric scooter. He put a pressure regulator in the air line to improve the control of the welder. There was something else but I don't recall. I can send you the pages if you are interested. PM me.

Mark

The plastic welders we had used similar but they had different tips. What else is there to a heating element other than industrial level manufacture?

Don't tell me your going to weld the stacks togeather with hot plastic

Hi Mark,

Yes, I have that issue and that is how I found out about the Harbor Freight stuff. I want to say he also used a current or voltage regulator on it.

That's what I remember also. I don't remember what he used for the regulator. Look at the wattage. You may be able to wire in a lamp dimmer. I like to use one in a 4" electrical box with a recptical. I am sure you will need a big dimmer. 1000 to 1500 watts. I can't imagine the thing draws more than that.

Mark

I'd guess the diameter of the welding rod??

Harbor Freight sucks....on-line thier price is $29, I drive up there and it's $45 and they won't honor the website price

I did buy some 6" digital calipers for $7 and a $199 TIG welder which is about the size of a a toaster (small enough to throw across the garage if I get too irked at it breaking on me or not working )

I use an IV dremel for stone carving and sessions can go on for hours, I have a foot pedal to control the RPM's. The dremel just plugs into the pedal and the pedal cord plugs into the wall. I put alot of strain on the remote motor at times so I would say that should work in your application.