Thanks Peter! Its amazing how we both made HDPE mallets, but yet the applications are so different. It just goes to show that a little ingenuity can go a long way. I thank you and all whom have brought this substance into the fray! I can see HDPE being used to make many things... How about table saw, scroll saw or jig saw inserts ( just to name a few)? Just knowing it comes from "trash" is so awesome!
Well, now I have to start saving #2 recycle plastics. That is a GREAT idea for a mallet. Both you and The Art of Weapons have the best approach for HDPE projects.
Thank you. You can also check Peter Brown ( the link listed in the description) he also did a different type of mallet. If you start collecting them just be sure to cut them as you go or they will multiply like Gremlins in water;)
I think your version of cutting bottles smaller pieces bonds plastic together better and make it very strong! I love your work! I can do this all day! Such a fun project! All I need is the OVEN! I already destroyed my home oven by trying to repair dry joint on PCB of my Power MAc G5. Obviously I over cooked , it melted like chocolate!
thanks for the how to! I've just been throwing jugs in the trash when I could be saving them for a mallet. Well back to saving them and cutting them up for future use.
Great use for them. I've recently been practicing with stamping some leather scraps & it seems to work well. Especially the smaller one, which could even be a little smaller for leather work or metal chasing.
I have been looking for an easy way to make plastic blocks or cylinders for turning on a lathe. Your video looks like the idea I have been searching for! Thanks for sharing this useful information!
+Construct Icon I left some unfortunate gaps due to improper heat or compression. I put a piece of plastic over each hole, hit it with a heat gun and compressed with a screw driver. Now you'd never know.
Yes, I cut the hdpe into small little pieces like this but I bake it in a cake pan. Then I put it in a wood mold I made and clamp it. Then cut on my bandsaw into 3/4 by 3/4 strips.
Sweet, a shopsmith! I just got one for 400 on CL and am in the process of giving her all new belts and bearing and a other tune up stuff. And a fresh coat of paint. Then I can start my projects.
I am so impressed with the HDPE mallet. I shared the info today at woodcarving with the other carvers and they are going to save ''colored' #2 HDPE so I can make one. I'll need some 'mechanical' help since I don't have some of the tools you used in finishing the mallet....but they are a bunch of really nice guys. I sure hope mine turns out even close to what you demonstrated. Thanks.
Construct Icon I saw that when it came to identifying the HDPE you just said "This Symbole" as a little hint to be more accurate, HDPE can be identified by looking at the recycling triangle, if it has a "2" inside it, it's HDPE. Edit: Usually says HDPE underneath the triangle but can also say PEHD which is also HDPE. Also for removing the labels try adhesive remover. Should help you out more than just cutting it off and wasting potential HDPE.
Good points! As far as adhesive remover I'd rather not introduce a new chemical in the mix, plus the scrubbing. I do reuse the cut offs for scraping glue and mixing epoxy on. I'll leave a little more info in the description. Thanks for your input.
Great video as usual sir! I may have to play with this one a bit. I have a bit of a collection of the steel balls from when I tear open a decent sized bearing. Figure you space them evenly and the same amount between each layer.you should have a fairly evenly weighted dead blow.?. Thanx for the idea.. now i need to find time.
welding stuff with spike Just embedding ball bearings in the plastic will add mass, but not make it a deadblow, which has the shot loose inside of an open cavity. Do an image search for "deadblow hammer cutaway". Maybe you could put the bearings in a small can like one of those little tomato paste cans. Maybe punch a hole in the side and get the paste out that way, and use the hole to hold the handle just barely sticking into the can. Come up with a way to float that can inside of the larger can, like a similar hole through the larger can, and mold the HPDE around it putting the entire assembly into the oven. I bet it could be done. Take a video of it!
Hey man I'm enjoying your videos- I like how you speed them up- there's so much chaff on CZcams. p.s. I just peel my labels off rather than cutting them out- although there is some gluey residue that I have to shift as well. I made my first HDPE part today! (Used my home made CNC router to make it.) Keep it up!
Some reasons are because it's easily available, can be created by the average human without toxic fumes. Plus it just works well and holds up to wear and tear for many uses! Thank you! Your feedback means so much:)
Aproveitando que vc fala português: Você realmente só prensou manualmente? Em todos os outros videos que assisti usam muitos grampos para compactar. Ainda não fiz nada com HDPE, mas pretendo fazer...começar a juntar material aqui.
I need to get a BlendTec to help process the plastic better. Roughing it out with scissors is time-consuming, and gives me hand cramps. Using a high-power blender, I could achieve much smaller particles than I have been getting with scissors. 1cm x 1cm-ish pieces are ok, but I'm really looking for a more even blending of colors. The tie-dye effect looks kinda cheap to me, especially with the colors I like working with. Darker colors work better with the tie-dye effect, but with brighter colors, I'd like to get a more homogeneous look to it.
I tried using an old Oster blender, and it sorta 'sploded... Peter Brown had a good idea using a Vitamix. Durable plastic pitcher + high hp/tq motor = a blender that's suitable for the shop as well as the kitchen.
Man you have to be quick on the youtube these days. I have the can and metal handle ready, was just saving up enough plastic but you beat me to it. Great job on the video. I can't wait to try this. How is the vibration through the metal handle compared to wood?
Yeah, I guess it's to be expected that a lot of us content creators will have similar ideas from time to time. As for the the handles I haven't noticed vibrations on either the wood or metal. I think I prefer the metal because of the added weight. Plus the the high density of the plastic makes for a hard, almost cushioned hit. It really strikes well!
Hello friend. Awesome video. I love it. I have a doubt, is it necessary or optional to make those marks around the handle?? I would like to know if i can use a wedge too Thank you :)
Hey. The grooves on the handle help the plastic adhere to the handle. A wedge might work... I just found this way to be easy & efficient. Thanks for watching
Construct Icon and one more suggestion i have is to use any hdpe other than detergent bottles because detergent bottles are copolymer instead of homopolymer hdpe this makes it a little bit softer and more prone to dents compared to other hdpe such as milk jugs
Construct Icon how did you stop it from sticking to the cans? Every time I melt it, it just sticks to the pot the can and even the grease proof paper I used. Please help if you have any advice
Aaron Wright 🤔... Be sure you’re using HDPE only & that the bottles & cans are clean & contaminant free. Try a small amount to test it out next time. Hopefully that solves your problem. 🤞🏽
Hi - how bad does it smell when heating the HDPE? Is this a garage only type of thing or can it be done in the house? They look great BTW and I really like how you showed a few options for handles.
HDPE doesn't give off any harmful fumes until the temperature gets past 400°F/220°C. Also, it's melting point seems to change depending on the altitude. Higher up, it melts quickly at lower temps, but below sea level, takes a long time, and needs to be melted closer to 390°F/200°C.
+Construct Icon someone made a comment stating they used a blowtorch, and I had to restrain myself from giving them the "You blithering buffoon!" rant about thermoplastics and fire safety... So I shortened and abridged it.
Ok gotta ask.. first tried this and well dint work well, turned a piece of popular down to 1 in. is that to large for a handle? I couldn't push it in. And when I tried to drive it in part separated.. so my ultimate question is how long to melt between layers? Any help would be lovely thanks.
1 inch is ok for a handle, as long as fits in your hand comfortably. Also try putting a blunt point when driving it to Hdpe. I did about 10-15 min between layers. Maybe try & put less of an amount between layers so that it can melt more evenly? Also you want to drive in handle quickly and at least half way in mallet head. Hope this helps:)
You would have more useable plastic if you took the labels off. I really hate the ones that have to be scraped off though. It's more time consuming and the static mess it makes is a bother.
Might be useful to do the melting inside a vacuum chamber to get rid of bubbles / prevent delamination of layers. Do you have any issues with delamination / bubbles?
George Viaud I find that when you cut the material into smaller pieces I don’t get delamination/bubbles as well as making sure the plastic is clean before heating & pressing it well while it’s still in molten form. Thanks for tuning in!
Fantastic video! Melting my blank as I type. I'm having a hard time embedding the wood handle into the mold though. I have everything you are using, but that damn hdpe won't give. Any suggestions? Great work! Seriously!
Thank you very much! Try sharpening the end of the wooden handle & tap it with a mallet. Also make sure the HDPE is warm enough. Hardwood works best. Hope this helps!
+Construct Icon I'll let you know how it goes. I'm using a 1.5" oak dowel. Just made a pointed tip. Got my rubber mallet ready. Reheating the material for another 20 min. Hopefully that's enough time.
Have another question, did you do the melting and compressing of the HDPE all in one day. Figured if I could collect some HDPE chips and melt and compress them one day and then come back when I got some more and do the process again until I had a can full. Is this possible?
I did the melting & compressing all at once but you should be able to do it overtime. Just make sure all the previous plastic gets reheated properly. Have fun:)
Construct Icon Thanks for the reply; when you say 'make sure the previous plastic gets heated properly', do you mean that I should reheat what is in the can and then add the new chips of HDPE and reheat them on top of the already melted HDPE??
Construct Icon OK and Thanks. Now if I can borrow 1/2 your shop I'd be off with a bang! The cutting & melting I can get done, it's compressing the melted HDPE with that 'round mallet on a stick', having a donut for the final cooling and a speedier way to grind off the edges (I can use a heavy file or maybe my dremel).....well, this will be an experiment and good or bad outcome, I'll let you know.
Can HDPE be used as a blade/scewer? How well do you think it could keep a sharp edge or point? Could the handle for this mallet work if it was also HDPE?
Like with most plastics, it doesn't hold an edge very well. As for the handle I believe it could work well, as long as it is cast in one solid piece. Thank you for watching.
brnjnsvld you can make a blade with hdpe to cut paper but thats about it but as far as the handle goes yes hdpe would be a great material even stronger than the wood just simply melt the hdpe in a tube and it will work
One of the metal handles did push all the way through. It still seems to bond very well. That's why it's important to give the outer diameter grooves so HDPE can grab and fill into. Thanks for your watching!
Construct Icon I noticed it did push all the way through (7:02), but i could not see if there was anything inside it, that's why I asked. I do not understand how you reply (about bonding and grooves) answers my question.
Good question! The only thing I can think is that the can is only touching the other surface of the plastic, so when it cools it shrinks and releases. Where the handle is embedded into the hot plastic, giving it more of a grip & melting effect. I'm sure there is a more scientific answer:) but it really bonds well. Haven't had any come loose after many uses. Thanks for your interest!
Numisaccent It pulls away from the can as it cools because it's shrinking... and it's shrinking around the handle, squeezing it, and preventing it from sliding out.
Sure. If you mean the one I used at 1:58 & 5:15 it's called a Shopsmith. It turns into many different tools with different attachments. I got an older used one off of craigslist, but the sell newer versions online. Thanks for watching.
Hey, I was just wondering if you had trouble melting layers together? I'm using the same technique but I messed up one layer and no matter how many times I reheated it won't melt in that one area, even though I know it's hdpe. Help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure. It could be that the portion of plastic wasn't cleaned properly. I would either leave it in the oven a little longer and if that doesn't work then discard and start fresh. Just be sure plastic and can is thoroughly rinsed with no labels or residue left on it. Hope this helps:)
Sean Dowling thats normal because melting hdpe never becomes liquid the most liquid you can expect it to get is like taffy but i did have more luck with buckets rather than spray bottles and detergent bottles on my newest video you can see what you can do with it if you melt it the right way with buckets i didnt even need to pressurize the hdpe it simply flowed into the container sort of like pouring molasses
TheRedhawke It's a Shopsmith lathe. Haven't tried an ice shaver, but I recently obtained an electric wood chipper/shredder I'm going to try out this spring.
Norman Bates I’m not sure of a good adhesive other than heat to bond handle. Perhaps if you heat the metal handle with a heat gun you maybe able to attach it afterwards. Thanks for watching!
Nice job! I'm impressed how well the the handle holds. I'm going to have to try that!
Thanks Peter! Its amazing how we both made HDPE mallets, but yet the applications are so different. It just goes to show that a little ingenuity can go a long way. I thank you and all whom have brought this substance into the fray! I can see HDPE being used to make many things... How about table saw, scroll saw or jig saw inserts ( just to name a few)? Just knowing it comes from "trash" is so awesome!
ZCI are a great application!
Peter Brown well done to both of you for showing us how to use plastics in a fun and useful way. Cheers
Definitely a good way to use up all of those plastic bottles that everything seems to come in. Those mallets turned out great; functional and stylish.
Thank you!
Great work on the mallets
Well, now I have to start saving #2 recycle plastics. That is a GREAT idea for a mallet. Both you and The Art of Weapons have the best approach for HDPE projects.
Thank you. You can also check Peter Brown ( the link listed in the description) he also did a different type of mallet. If you start collecting them just be sure to cut them as you go or they will multiply like Gremlins in water;)
I think your version of cutting bottles smaller pieces bonds plastic together better and make it very strong! I love your work! I can do this all day! Such a fun project! All I need is the OVEN! I already destroyed my home oven by trying to repair dry joint on PCB of my Power MAc G5. Obviously I over cooked , it melted like chocolate!
thanks for the how to! I've just been throwing jugs in the trash when I could be saving them for a mallet. Well back to saving them and cutting them up for future use.
I do a lot of leather work so I plan to use this idea to make a new mallet. Thanks for posting.
Great use for them. I've recently been practicing with stamping some leather scraps & it seems to work well. Especially the smaller one, which could even be a little smaller for leather work or metal chasing.
I have been looking for an easy way to make plastic blocks or cylinders for turning on a lathe. Your video looks like the idea I have been searching for!
Thanks for sharing this useful information!
I'm thinking of knife handles.
Very good video. I've seen several on this subject and this is one of best. Thanks
everything we need to know with no wasted time and chatter. great video. i have started one. a band saw helps with the thicker plastic jugs.
Thank you! Good tip!
+Construct Icon I left some unfortunate gaps due to improper heat or compression. I put a piece of plastic over each hole, hit it with a heat gun and compressed with a screw driver. Now you'd never know.
+wakely wanderer very slick!
I've just got to give this a try. Those mallets (or whatever they're called) look nice and could be really useful if they hold up to workshop tasks.
I started turning pens from hdpe, all the different colors look really cool
Very cool, I want to give that a try as well.
+cejkwo Mass Did you make the pen blank like this? What did you use for a form?
Yes, I cut the hdpe into small little pieces like this but I bake it in a cake pan. Then I put it in a wood mold I made and clamp it. Then cut on my bandsaw into 3/4 by 3/4 strips.
+cejkwo Mass Maybe i saw a video of that?
That might be something to try. Thanks for the upload.
I'm using that exact oven for the same purpose. Its totally awesome with the fan forced air. Totally speeds up the process.
Excellent! I would add a handle made out of HPDE too. That will look fantastic!
One of the neatest things I've seen in a long time! Thanks!
+Kenneth McArthur Thanks!
HDPE Is pretty cool material to work with. I'm gonna have to melt some down at some point myself...
Sweet, a shopsmith! I just got one for 400 on CL and am in the process of giving her all new belts and bearing and a other tune up stuff. And a fresh coat of paint. Then I can start my projects.
Yeah I got mine off CL as well for a sweet price. Although I mainly use it as a lathe, I like the versatility it has when I need it. Have fun!
very good work
I am so impressed with the HDPE mallet. I shared the info today at woodcarving with the other carvers and they are going to save ''colored' #2 HDPE so I can make one. I'll need some 'mechanical' help since I don't have some of the tools you used in finishing the mallet....but they are a bunch of really nice guys. I sure hope mine turns out even close to what you demonstrated. Thanks.
That's awesome!
That is just inspired! I need to start collecting milk jugs!
Thanks for sharing.
Nice job. Very colorful too!
Hey cool idea I'm going to use this for my shoe mold! I Love recycling... i love your colorful mallet!
Awesome application! Thank you & 1432.
fantastic home engineering many thanks for sharing
Great, I'm going to make some hatchet scales with HDPE, great stuff!
Very cool like the different colors
Brilliant! Nice compatible music too.
RobMacKendrick thanks!
nice hammer and nice music.
Awesome Idea!! I like how you made this piece. I may have to give this a try!!
Thank you! You should try it, they have been holding up and performing well!
Construct Icon I saw that when it came to identifying the HDPE you just said "This Symbole" as a little hint to be more accurate, HDPE can be identified by looking at the recycling triangle, if it has a "2" inside it, it's HDPE.
Edit:
Usually says HDPE underneath the triangle but can also say PEHD which is also HDPE.
Also for removing the labels try adhesive remover. Should help you out more than just cutting it off and wasting potential HDPE.
Good points! As far as adhesive remover I'd rather not introduce a new chemical in the mix, plus the scrubbing. I do reuse the cut offs for scraping glue and mixing epoxy on. I'll leave a little more info in the description. Thanks for your input.
great video!
walter campbell thank you!
very good idea
Thanks!
I'm making this right now!
Awesome!
Great video as usual sir! I may have to play with this one a bit. I have a bit of a collection of the steel balls from when I tear open a decent sized bearing. Figure you space them evenly and the same amount between each layer.you should have a fairly evenly weighted dead blow.?. Thanx for the idea.. now i need to find time.
Thanks Spike! That sounds interesting and worth experimenting with.
welding stuff with spike Just embedding ball bearings in the plastic will add mass, but not make it a deadblow, which has the shot loose inside of an open cavity. Do an image search for "deadblow hammer cutaway".
Maybe you could put the bearings in a small can like one of those little tomato paste cans. Maybe punch a hole in the side and get the paste out that way, and use the hole to hold the handle just barely sticking into the can. Come up with a way to float that can inside of the larger can, like a similar hole through the larger can, and mold the HPDE around it putting the entire assembly into the oven. I bet it could be done. Take a video of it!
Right ! The loose shot is what absorbs the energy which cancels rebound.
Thanks for this video. I have been wanting to get a mallet. But why not make my own.
The turned finish is great! (Be careful, man @5:17 is an easy way to lose a finger)
Thank you!
Rob Duarte
Lookin good... I have bin collecting milk cans and other HDPE stuff to make something of it.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you and your welcome!
this gave me some ideas, awesome!
beautiful object!
Hey man I'm enjoying your videos- I like how you speed them up- there's so much chaff on CZcams. p.s. I just peel my labels off rather than cutting them out- although there is some gluey residue that I have to shift as well. I made my first HDPE part today! (Used my home made CNC router to make it.) Keep it up!
+Justin Clayden ps I came for the HDPE and stayed for the music.
Awesome! Thanks!
Simply amazing
excelente video mis amigos,gracias por compartir sus conocimientos
That's such a neat way to add some color to the tool shed and reuse your "trash/treasure". Why do you suggest using HDPE over other plastics?
Some reasons are because it's easily available, can be created by the average human without toxic fumes. Plus it just works well and holds up to wear and tear for many uses! Thank you! Your feedback means so much:)
I am Sooo gonna enjoy your channel !!!
Thanks :)
Aproveitando que vc fala português: Você realmente só prensou manualmente? Em todos os outros videos que assisti usam muitos grampos para compactar. Ainda não fiz nada com HDPE, mas pretendo fazer...começar a juntar material aqui.
Damn is that a chisel or a broad sword? Never seen them that big before.
Lol! Good one. It's a 2" chisel I got off of Amazon.
+Construct Icon lol no but good for you man we need more people like you guys in the world. keep on keeping on!
That’s the biggest chisel I’ve ever seen
How many chisels have you seen?
I need to get a BlendTec to help process the plastic better. Roughing it out with scissors is time-consuming, and gives me hand cramps. Using a high-power blender, I could achieve much smaller particles than I have been getting with scissors. 1cm x 1cm-ish pieces are ok, but I'm really looking for a more even blending of colors. The tie-dye effect looks kinda cheap to me, especially with the colors I like working with. Darker colors work better with the tie-dye effect, but with brighter colors, I'd like to get a more homogeneous look to it.
Great idea! I tried using a cheap blender & it didn't work out so well. A high powered one would be the way to go!
I tried using an old Oster blender, and it sorta 'sploded...
Peter Brown had a good idea using a Vitamix. Durable plastic pitcher + high hp/tq motor = a blender that's suitable for the shop as well as the kitchen.
someone needs to make an HDPE bowling ball!
AWESOME!
Nice one👍
great video!!
nice work. in my backwoods patois that's called a maul
Man you have to be quick on the youtube these days. I have the can and metal handle ready, was just saving up enough plastic but you beat me to it. Great job on the video. I can't wait to try this. How is the vibration through the metal handle compared to wood?
Yeah, I guess it's to be expected that a lot of us content creators will have similar ideas from time to time. As for the the handles I haven't noticed vibrations on either the wood or metal. I think I prefer the metal because of the added weight. Plus the the high density of the plastic makes for a hard, almost cushioned hit. It really strikes well!
Thats awesome...
I asked like 3people to get these at work and within days I was swimming in hdpe plastic
Great project thank you for sharing it. I'm going to give it a try. How long in the oven for it to melt?
About 15 min.
Exelente
Hello friend. Awesome video. I love it. I have a doubt, is it necessary or optional to make those marks around the handle?? I would like to know if i can use a wedge too
Thank you :)
Hey. The grooves on the handle help the plastic adhere to the handle. A wedge might work... I just found this way to be easy & efficient. Thanks for watching
awesome job i wonder can hdpe be used for the handle
Hmmm. Possible. You actually have me thinking about it! Thanks!
Construct Icon and one more suggestion i have is to use any hdpe other than detergent bottles because detergent bottles are copolymer instead of homopolymer hdpe this makes it a little bit softer and more prone to dents compared to other hdpe such as milk jugs
Love the random colors. Really an eye catcher !
thanx !
Thanks. Will make some.
HI, at 4:50, are you taking apart the bed springs to get the wire?
Construct Icon how did you stop it from sticking to the cans? Every time I melt it, it just sticks to the pot the can and even the grease proof paper I used. Please help if you have any advice
Aaron Wright 🤔... Be sure you’re using HDPE only & that the bottles & cans are clean & contaminant free. Try a small amount to test it out next time. Hopefully that solves your problem. 🤞🏽
Long sleeves while working on spinning equipment? Do you still have all your skin?
impregnate the very tip of the handle that fits into the head with lead. That would give it some nice HEFT.
4estfloor good idea!
Hi - how bad does it smell when heating the HDPE? Is this a garage only type of thing or can it be done in the house?
They look great BTW and I really like how you showed a few options for handles.
HDPE doesn't give off any harmful fumes until the temperature gets past 400°F/220°C. Also, it's melting point seems to change depending on the altitude. Higher up, it melts quickly at lower temps, but below sea level, takes a long time, and needs to be melted closer to 390°F/200°C.
Thank you! As long as you don't overheat it, this can be done indoors without any bad smell.
+Construct Icon someone made a comment stating they used a blowtorch, and I had to restrain myself from giving them the "You blithering buffoon!" rant about thermoplastics and fire safety... So I shortened and abridged it.
Ok gotta ask.. first tried this and well dint work well, turned a piece of popular down to 1 in. is that to large for a handle? I couldn't push it in. And when I tried to drive it in part separated.. so my ultimate question is how long to melt between layers? Any help would be lovely thanks.
1 inch is ok for a handle, as long as fits in your hand comfortably. Also try putting a blunt point when driving it to Hdpe. I did about 10-15 min between layers. Maybe try & put less of an amount between layers so that it can melt more evenly? Also you want to drive in handle quickly and at least half way in mallet head. Hope this helps:)
out of all of the handles you used, which one was your favorite?
Popadas the 1st the metal handle is my go to!
You would have more useable plastic if you took the labels off. I really hate the ones that have to be scraped off though. It's more time consuming and the static mess it makes is a bother.
Awesome.. put up a link and sell those
I'm like a year or so late but how heavy was it , was it over a pound ?
Might be useful to do the melting inside a vacuum chamber to get rid of bubbles / prevent delamination of layers. Do you have any issues with delamination / bubbles?
George Viaud I find that when you cut the material into smaller pieces I don’t get delamination/bubbles as well as making sure the plastic is clean before heating & pressing it well while it’s still in molten form. Thanks for tuning in!
how long between compressions? I see you did it in layers as mentioned in the video.
About 7-10 min or until it has that gooey like consistency.
Finally starting the process on mine. Thanks for the idea!
+Sam Wallace awesome!!
Does the original mass need to be re-heated each time so it will bond to the next layer?
Would this be safe for using with food, say like chopsticks?
Im surprised how you didn't use any clamps
Most people have used a good few clamps
Fantastic video! Melting my blank as I type. I'm having a hard time embedding the wood handle into the mold though. I have everything you are using, but that damn hdpe won't give. Any suggestions?
Great work! Seriously!
Thank you very much! Try sharpening the end of the wooden handle & tap it with a mallet. Also make sure the HDPE is warm enough. Hardwood works best. Hope this helps!
+Construct Icon I'll let you know how it goes. I'm using a 1.5" oak dowel. Just made a pointed tip. Got my rubber mallet ready. Reheating the material for another 20 min. Hopefully that's enough time.
Do you have an online shop where you sell these? Thanks
Have another question, did you do the melting and compressing of the HDPE all in one day. Figured if I could collect some HDPE chips and melt and compress them one day and then come back when I got some more and do the process again until I had a can full. Is this possible?
I did the melting & compressing all at once but you should be able to do it overtime. Just make sure all the previous plastic gets reheated properly. Have fun:)
Construct Icon
Thanks for the reply; when you say 'make sure the previous plastic gets heated properly', do you mean that I should reheat what is in the can and then add the new chips of HDPE and reheat them on top of the already melted HDPE??
Exactly. You got it! You want everything to be at the same melting point temperature when compressing for a compact bond.
Construct Icon OK and Thanks. Now if I can borrow 1/2 your shop I'd be off with a bang! The cutting & melting I can get done, it's compressing the melted HDPE with that 'round mallet on a stick', having a donut for the final cooling and a speedier way to grind off the edges (I can use a heavy file or maybe my dremel).....well, this will be an experiment and good or bad outcome, I'll let you know.
Can HDPE be used as a blade/scewer? How well do you think it could keep a sharp edge or point? Could the handle for this mallet work if it was also HDPE?
Like with most plastics, it doesn't hold an edge very well. As for the handle I believe it could work well, as long as it is cast in one solid piece. Thank you for watching.
brnjnsvld you can make a blade with hdpe to cut paper but thats about it but as far as the handle goes yes hdpe would be a great material even stronger than the wood just simply melt the hdpe in a tube and it will work
Very cool!!! How long do you heat each cycle?
About 15 minutes to get everything heated up. Once it was already warm, it was about half that time between layers.
Thanks
can i use polypropylene? its marked (5).
+bent540 No. It doesn't work the same way.
hot water for 2 minuts...softens lable glue, comes right off.
Does it float on water?
Can I use a convection toaster instead of a convection oven
Yes
Is there HDPE inside the metal handle? It looked like it did the cookie cutter thing when you pressed it in.
One of the metal handles did push all the way through. It still seems to bond very well. That's why it's important to give the outer diameter grooves so HDPE can grab and fill into. Thanks for your watching!
Construct Icon
I noticed it did push all the way through (7:02), but i could not see if there was anything inside it, that's why I asked. I do not understand how you reply (about bonding and grooves) answers my question.
Yes, one of the metal handles are completely hollow.
When it cools, what keeps the plastic from drawing away from the handle like the soup can?
Good question! The only thing I can think is that the can is only touching the other surface of the plastic, so when it cools it shrinks and releases. Where the handle is embedded into the hot plastic, giving it more of a grip & melting effect. I'm sure there is a more scientific answer:) but it really bonds well. Haven't had any come loose after many uses. Thanks for your interest!
Numisaccent It pulls away from the can as it cools because it's shrinking... and it's shrinking around the handle, squeezing it, and preventing it from sliding out.
Well said.
what if there is a triangle with 02 and it says PE-HD, or a 2 and just PE?
+Lippa100 thats fine pe hd or pe is just another way of saying hdpe
+Dean Walcott okay thanks alot! :)
Might i ask where you got that woodcutting machine
Sure. If you mean the one I used at 1:58 & 5:15 it's called a Shopsmith. It turns into many different tools with different attachments. I got an older used one off of craigslist, but the sell newer versions online. Thanks for watching.
5:10 Что за станок? Как называется (марка/модель станка).
Hey, I was just wondering if you had trouble melting layers together? I'm using the same technique but I messed up one layer and no matter how many times I reheated it won't melt in that one area, even though I know it's hdpe. Help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure. It could be that the portion of plastic wasn't cleaned properly. I would either leave it in the oven a little longer and if that doesn't work then discard and start fresh. Just be sure plastic and can is thoroughly rinsed with no labels or residue left on it. Hope this helps:)
Sean Dowling thats normal because melting hdpe never becomes liquid the most liquid you can expect it to get is like taffy but i did have more luck with buckets rather than spray bottles and detergent bottles on my newest video you can see what you can do with it if you melt it the right way with buckets i didnt even need to pressurize the hdpe it simply flowed into the container sort of like pouring molasses
Construct Icon Thank you very much for replying to me, tried again and it worked perfectly. Great project and i love the mallet :)
That's great news! I'm so glad it worked out:)
Hello how could I make a 1.80 hole to make a post to fence a farm
OOH!
lollypops :3
:)
Ya gotta have a zyliss vice
What kind of lathe is that your using ? Has anyone tried using an ice shaver to shred the plastic ?
TheRedhawke It's a Shopsmith lathe. Haven't tried an ice shaver, but I recently obtained an electric wood chipper/shredder I'm going to try out this spring.
Wonder if anyone has tried using a paper shredder to cut the HDPE pieces?
What kind of adhesive would work best for bonding the handle to the mallet head?
I'd like to install the handle later.
Norman Bates I’m not sure of a good adhesive other than heat to bond handle. Perhaps if you heat the metal handle with a heat gun you maybe able to attach it afterwards. Thanks for watching!
Wood handle is what I had in mind.
can you try making a super flat sheet of hdpe? atleast 1 side without any bubble or hole? :D
buder5 I did in another video where I made an HDPE cutting board & push sticks
Where can I buy one?
When I take mine out of the oven to compress it it starts to harden and then the layers don't stick together
🤔be sure to clean them well, melt them for a little longer & compress quickly. Hope that helps.
How about using PP ? Could I use that?
Unfortunately pp has a different chemical make up than hdpe. So for this method it won't work. Thanks for watching.
Do you sale these and if you do then how much? Blessing Turbo
I don’t, but possibly in the future I may.