Plastic Welding

[Speckled_Tiger]

so who out there wants to post a detailed how to for me?? I've heard legends about Psycho Joe's abilities.

[Coomz]

I have a plastic welder you can borrow if you like. Depending on the color I might have some plastic welding rods for you too.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

How difficult is it to learn how to plastic weld? Next stop...google.

[Psycho Joe]

Plastic welding is easy...anything I can do CAN'T be too difficult.

First thing - What color is your kayak? I always collected the plastic shavings from my yak when I added anything. Even the smallest hole drilled in a kayak gives you enough plastc to fill a small hole.

All you need to weld plastic is a soldering iron, a piece of plastic stock and patience.

If you have the time contact your kayak manufacturer, give them the serial number from your kayak and most of them will send you some welding material in the proper shade to match your kayak. Otherwise let the club members know and we can possibly come up with the right shade.

To weld you just melt the plastic stock and hold it onto the hole. Be sure to melt the edges of the hole so that the materials bond together. Fill the hole then let the plastic harden. I use a small razor edge to trim the outer side of the weld.

need any other help let me know.

[Speckled_Tiger]

I'm still thinking that I might just keep it simple and goop the hell out of those well nuts and take my chances.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Psycho Joe
Is it like soldering? I can do that no problem.

[Psycho Joe]

Psycho Joe
Is it like soldering? I can do that no problem.

Let's see...can you melt plastic AND keep it from dripping on your shoes?

[Psycho Joe]

I am going to the shed later, I will weld a small piece of plastic material I have and record the deed for posting later.

[Psycho Joe]

I hope this helps anyone who needs it:

http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad320/nativekayak/?action=view&current=PlasticWelding.flv

[marshdaddy]

Joe, your the best. I don't have any holes that I need to fix, but if I ever do, I'll know how. Thanks.

[snake doctor]

Excellent. Nice to learn from the pro!

[Branch_Office]

Here is another video on plastic welding for you..http://www.teamoceankayak.com/videos/weld/index.html

[papawd]

I love the parts where "let me put the camera down down for a minute" and we get black, Hey Joe great work Ya can also save mardi gras cups they come in many colors.I contacted Ocean kayak once and they sent me 2 welding rods free of charge which were 2 peices of plasic about 1/4-3/8" in diameter. Also in a pinch use a heat gun

[Hobie1Kenobie]

Joe,
Just watched the video. I assume you just hammered the soldering iron tip flat... Looks simple enough. Can't wait to get home and give it a go. Thanks bro.