Reshaping PVC pipe

The Rock-a-who

Well-Known Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #1

Hi all,

I'm working on the hand controls of the comic-version of the Rocketeer.

I have some rings made from cutting PVC pipes, but for the ring that goes around the palm of the hand, I need to reshape it some and don't know the best way to accomplish this.

The rings are from a 3" pipe, with a .25" thick wall, about 1" tall/thick.

I thought heating it with a hair dryer might do the trick, but with the thickness of the pipe's wall, I don't think it could generate enough heat to soften the plastic. Other thoughts include using a blowtorch, or even setting them in an oven at a low heat (200 degrees maybe?) until it softens.

But I wanted to post here and see if anyone has a better idea to do this.

Basically I just need to soften it enough to change the shape from a circle to (roughly) an oval/oblong.

Thanks

EDIT: FYI for anyone's interested, here's a few shots of the hand controls in the comic.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8UYCuLzpiBs/TMITTd64p_I/AAAAAAAABHw/RIHwbgAf7qM/s1600/rocketeer_1.jpg

 

Last edited: Apr 18, 2011

J

jeditopher

New Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #2

I have not tried to attempt what you are suggesting, but I can tell you that if put a blow torch to the PVC you will just burn it. I learned that helping my Dad's plumbing business while going to college. I'm not sure if PVC is the right material for what you want to accomplish.

 

J

jeditopher

New Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #3

At the link below. They put some PVC in boiling water to make it pliable.

Jim's PVC Focuser Adventure

 

W

Wes R

Legendary Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #4

Could a few quick passes with a heat gun soften it just enough to get it to shape?

 

H

Harish

Active Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #5

You might consider using SINTRA. You can get it in various thicknesses and shape it easily with heat or hot water.

 

exoray

Master Member

• Apr 18, 2011

• #6

A heat gun will make short work of it, turns PVC to a noodle... Just don't rush it or else you will blister the surface...

 

BornKilr

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Apr 18, 2011

• #7

Heat gun works much better than a torch, but as mentioned, it will blister rather quickly

 

SurferGeek

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Apr 18, 2011

• #8

Goes without saying that if you are going to heat the PVC to the point that it could char or smoke such as using a torch, do so outside or somewhere with good ventilation.