[MakeLV] Advice on molding milk jug plastic?

[Chris Callie]

While not technically as diy, I think I would go with something like
an epoxy liner. They use them for resealing fuel tanks:
http://www.caswellplating.com/restoration-aids/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.html
It would probably leave you with a more durable surface and would
accept paint better. Since you need to purchase a tool to grind the
milk jugs anyway, I think the small kit might come out about the same
pricewise.

Chris Callie
------------------------
Mail: reddog176 at gmail.com
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On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 9:35 AM, Randy Kramer <rhkramer at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi!
>
> Seeking advice from my favorite local hobbyists, again. ;-)
>
> I want to try repairing a coal hod (bucket) by lining the inside with a molded
> plastic layer.
>
> I'm thinking about using the plastic from milk jugs and using a heat gun to
> melt it into place.
>
> The first time I tried it, I didn't have much success--the plastic really
> didn't fully melt (despite a (Harbor Freight) heat gun that supposedly can
> get to 1100 degrees (F) or so.
>
> The first trial was inside in the winter, so I didn't want to overheat the
> plastic and release fumes inside the house.  Also, it seemed that the plastic
> seemed to end up being harder (less flexible) when I stopped and it cooled.
>
> I read somewhere that milk jug plastic (#2 RIC) is hygroscopic, and that you
> have to get the water (vapor) out of it before melting it or the plastic will
> become hard / brittle as opposed to maintaining the same (flexible)
> characteristic as the original milk jug.
>
> So, I'm thinking about grinding the milk bottles up (using a surform
> tool--ideally a rotary one powered by an electric drill, but I haven't found
> one locally so I'll start with a handheld tool).  I hope to get something
> like very small pellets but I'll probably get a lot of short strands as well.
>
> Then I'm thinking about trying to use an electric clothes dryer to dry the
> pellets, sticking them in a cloth bag to avoid damage to the dryer.
>
> Finally, then, while they are still hot / warm, put them into the coal hod
> (bucket) I want to repair and use the heat gun to fuse them into a lining
> (fuse them together, and, I hope, to the bucket, which has a rough surface
> and some rusted pinholes).
>
> Has anybody here done something similar, and do you have any advice?
>
> Thanks,
> Randy Kramer
>
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