Thread: Plexiglass razor rack and microscope stand

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Acetone or Methylene Chloride - both act as a solvent-cement. Methylene Ethyl Ketone (MEK) also works, but is even nastier than the Methylene chloride.

I have used these at the University of the South Bank on a plastics course.

Regards,
Neil

Thanks! I'll try Acetone. Pretty powerful stuff. It melted a plastic ruler I used it on. I was trying to get rid of some stains. The stains did disappear, along with the ruler.

Joe

Iva washed my hands with acitone after chopping pine trees all day. It ruined my towels. Cheap crud from walmart.

I have better luck with Methylene Chloride for gluing plexiglass. I apply it using a glass syringe and about a 20 gauge needle. Sometimes I have to scuff the gluing surfaces with some 1000 grit sandpaper a little bit to get a stronger hold. The MC or Acetone will dissolve it back clear though.

Has anyone tried PVC pipe cement?

PVC cement contains Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), acetone, and PVC resin.
The PVC resin will turn plexiglass (acrylic) white.
I haven't ever tried it on polycarbonate though.
MEK by itself or with acetone will work pretty good, but MEK is known to cause cancer so use at your own risk.

If you want a truly good plexiglass cement take shavings or scrap chunks of plexiglass, put it a jar with acetone overnight to melt it down. Stir it up and you are ready to go. If it starts to dry out, just add more acetone.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

If you want a truly good plexiglass cement take shavings or scrap chunks of plexiglass, put it a jar with acetone overnight to melt it down. Stir it up and you are ready to go. If it starts to dry out, just add more acetone.

How fast does it set up? More or less instantly?

Joe

It depends on the amount of acetone. But with a model glue type viscosity typically it will stick immediately and have about 30 seconds of working time. About a minute later it will be stuck really good. It's permanently stuck in about 5 minutes.
Sometimes I have to come back with MeCl in a syringe and smooth up the joints where glue didn't flow correctly.

And if you get any on your skin, get it off immediately with acetone. Once it dries it will take the skin with it when you pull it off.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

Sometimes I have to come back with MeCl in a syringe and smooth up the joints where glue didn't flow correctly.

Just out of curiosity, what sorts of things do you build with it?

Joe

I use plexiglass as mock up material before I have designs milled in expensive metals. It's my last chance to realize that I left a screw hole out or goofed up a measurement.
I've also been known to build the occasional jig, box, whatnot, etc. with it.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

I use plexiglass as mock up material before I have designs milled in expensive metals. It's my last chance to realize that I left a screw hole out or goofed up a measurement.
I've also been known to build the occasional jig, box, whatnot, etc. with it.

Again, just curiosity: what designs do you have milled in expensive metals?

Joe