Thread: Making scales from Sintra (PVC)

Ok, so a little research has led me to the conclusion that the "rot" mentioned above was a result of the celluloid material outgasing, and causing the steel from the blade to corrode.
The question remains, will PVC do this as well?
I'm going to go out on a limb and say no. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and its closed cell counerpart, Sintra, (from what I understand) do not outgas as such, and will not harm steel. I cant find a scientific explanation to back this up, so for now I guess it's just a gut feeling, but if I'm wrong, I'd love to know. so, someone knowledgeable chime in, please.

Here is a great article I found that explains in detail how certain plastics degrade and affect objects around them (i.e. the celluloid "rot")

Care of Plastics--WN January 2002

After reading through this, I am left with the conclusion that PVC, while not the best material for straight razor scales, should pose no harm to steel, as it does not emit an acidic gas as it deteriorates.

I hold the position that PVC is a decent enough, economy material for straight razor scales, if the expectation is not that they will last a lifetime.

Someone, please give that a readthrough, and let me know if you are left with the same conclusion I am, or if I am missing something.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Cheeks

I work as a graphic designer/sign maker, and one material we use quite frequently is Sintra. It is basically a PVC material that comes in various thicknesses and colors.
...snip....

Interesting stuff.

Let us know how the scales hold up with time.
I expect they will be just fine. When tinkering
a lot depends on what you have handy to work with.
Too often a project takes you on an adventure
not unlike shaving a yak.

I know this thread has been quiet for a while but i found it while doing some research on PVC for scale material and if it had been tried. I use it to make bows and it holds up well. As far as UV damage, if you don't have it sitting in direct sunlight this should be a non-issue even without any kind of outer coating. If you do a light paint this should be more than enough protection. I plan on making a set of PVC scales for a razor i have coming if it ends up needing them and since this will be my first attempt i figure i should use a material i am familiar with. I would like to hear if your scales have held up over the past few years.

You should be fine cowboy. Like you say "as long as it's not sitting in UV all day everyday." I am not a chemist but I had one working for me once and pvc comes in a lot of flavors from soft and pliable to hard as a white dog turd. Sun takes the "oil" ( because I can't remember the chemical name for it) out of it and it basically dries out brittle.

When I work with plastic I always look up the MSDS first.

http://www.substratum.org/wp-content...intra-MSDS.pdf

Personally I would not use this for scales.
V/R

Tim

Which aspect makes you feel that way. Just curious. I will be going over the msds more later when I can open it up on my computer rather than my phone.

Originally Posted by UAcowboy

Which aspect makes you feel that way. Just curious. I will be going over the msds more later when I can open it up on my computer rather than my phone.

One paragraph provides generic but good advice"
"These products are not considered to be a health hazard in the form in which they are sold (sheet, panel).
However, if these products are abraded, melted, welded, cut or processed in any manner that causes release of
fumes or dusts, hazardous levels of fumes or dusts may be generated from this product."

Any of us that are sanding, buffing, grinding or making dust of any type should be managing that dust
in the shop. Personal respirator as well as bulk air filtration and exhaust for the shop.

Members here have posted pictures of their shops and I have noted many ventilation as well as dust collection
and removal tricks. Wood dust especially some of the tropical wood is serious trouble too.