Skip to content

Melting Old Plastics - How?

Featured Replies

What's the best way to melt down small pieces I cut up to re-mold?  Small pot on a heater coil?  Microwave low?  I tried a pot, but it kept starting on fire.  What's the best technique?  Thanks for any guidance.  I just want to hand pour into an open mold.

  • Super User

Microwave 

  • Author

Using a microwave...on high?  50% power with longer time?

2 hours ago, Bartableman7 said:

What's the best way to melt down small pieces I cut up to re-mold?  Small pot on a heater coil?  Microwave low?  I tried a pot, but it kept starting on fire.  What's the best technique?  Thanks for any guidance.  I just want to hand pour into an open mold.

The way I do mine is get a pyrex 2 cup measuring cup and just put in the pieces and then put it in the microwave for 30-45 sec intervals mixing it until it gets to be about 350-400 degrees f but i found out that 360-375 degrees works best for me. 

  • Super User
1 hour ago, Danika 327 said:

The way I do mine is get a pyrex 2 cup measuring cup and just put in the pieces and then put it in the microwave for 30-45 sec intervals mixing it until it gets to be about 350-400 degrees f but i found out that 360-375 degrees works best for me. 

Pretty much this.  It's a trial and effort deal.

Use a little raw Plastisol with the old cut down plastic, and use a heat stabilizer. Microwave back up until it melts down again. Stir often.

  • Super User

Lol, I use an old nuke designated for my workshop. 

  • Super User

400 is too high unless you want to scorch it.

  • Super User

I know nothing about making plastic baits. Nada thing. But many moons ago I got hooked on a great color for my river smallie fishing. My most productive tube. The owner told me that the pattern was from mixing his scraps and recycling them and that’s how it came about. 

  • Super User
17 hours ago, Bartableman7 said:

Using a microwave...on high?  50% power with longer time?

I start on high for 1 minute.  I take it out and stir it.  Put it back for 1 minute take it out and stir it.  Repeat until it has melted.  Then I switch to 30 second cycles.  I check the temp with my infrared thermometer often.

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Super User
On 3/4/2022 at 7:12 AM, Jig Man said:

I start on high for 1 minute.  I take it out and stir it.  Put it back for 1 minute take it out and stir it.  Repeat until it has melted.  Then I switch to 30 second cycles.  I check the temp with my infrared thermometer often.

 

This is how I do it as well.  I stir with a metal thermometer so I know the temperature. 

 

Allen 

  • Super User

I too add my remelt to a little virgin plastisol + heat stabilizer. I use ceramic coated cast iron pots on a hotplate. Nice even consistent heat. No scorching ever. 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.