ABS Plastic finishing

[BruceDownunder]

Hi,, I'm into cutting and profiling some "ABS-Duraflo " plastic pipe into a set of blades .

Question is , I need to use carbide tipped cutters and very rough sanding disc's ,,then a sharp spokeshave to get any reasonable finish.

Do any of you have experience with a fine finish to this material .

I'm thinking ,Fillers,Epoxy or Polyester, what binding undercoat first,?

The semi-final finish from sanding applications gives a "coarse,furry type of finish"-haven't tried wet and dry paper yet---

Any clues would be appreciated, Thanks.

Bruce

[disaray1]

  I've used a little heat-- in the form of butane torch, to get all the "fuzzies" smooth again.  Maybe try an clothes iron? (Make sure the wife doesn't catch you with her iron. The result are NOT good..)

  Have fun.

  David

[electrondady1]

perhaps a  final wipe with a solvent could give a smooth finish.

maybe you need to polish it up with compound and a buffing wheel.

[Capt Slog]

I've found that a lot of plastics can be brought to a gloss finish by using metal polish.

The one that I use is Brasso.  I think that the polishing compound in this is a metal oxide, possibly tin.  

Another that works well is Solvol Autosol.

Of course, you have to get the plastic quite smooth first using a fine waterproof emery with water.

[tecker]

 

Mek and then wet sanding and Mek

[thefinis]

Duraflo does it have the foam middle?

I would try using a suitable primer on a smooth rag to wipe the edges you are shaping to remove the fuzzies. Hmmm might work better with steel wool to apply the primer.

What type finish coat will you use? I have not done blades but for painting plastic furniture and plastic bumpers used a spray primer for plastic. Seems like I wiped everything down before painting with alcohol. Then sand with fine grit 600 or steel wool if fairly smooth. Color coat more light sanding with steel wool if needed and final coat no sanding except for flaws. Bug splatters on bumper has caused some flaking when cleaned off.

Finis