Hot Air Welding Plastic

[Talulah]

A couple of years ago I replaced the holding tank with a custom tank made by Tek-Tanks.
The TekTanks are brilliantly made but expensive.
I'm now considering doing the water tank.
I came across an identical Najad 390 of the same age who's water tank was leaking so I suspect that my water tank must be approaching the end of its life and the replacement will be a winter project.

I am considering going down the DIY route but would like to know if anyone has had any experience using a hot air welder on polypropylene or Polyethelene.
Attached is a photo of the old water tank from the other Najad plus the stainless steel replacement.

 

[David2452]

Have had a couple of bosses welded on by people using relatively cheap (compared to tank purchase) hand held units, plenty of instruction videos on Youtube and materials are readily available.

 

[2Tizwoz]

Pretty straightforward.

I've used the Leister hot air gun. They're long lasting.

This is a more modern one. A reducer goes on the end.

The attachment for feeding rod makes it easier.

Bay Plastics http://www.bayplastics.co.uk/ are helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Sh2HHIBD0yA The video from their website shows how its done.

Amari http://www.amariplastics.com/amariplastics/ more wide spread but Bay will send out what you need and can cut to size.

 

[rob2]

Tek Tanks usually have someone making tanks on their trade stand at boat shows. I got chatting to the operator who said it isn't difficult to get a seal, but practice makes perfect and he could make it look like it was moulded! I believe they use an RF welder rather than hot air, it ensures a full depth weld, whereas with hot air alone you may just be skinning over the joint if you progress too fast.

Please come back with your results if you decide to go ahead.

Rob.

 

[prv]

I believe they use an RF welder rather than hot air, it ensures a full depth weld, whereas with hot air alone you may just be skinning over the joint if you progress too fast.

Fairly sure they use hot air at least some of the time - I had a short tour of their factory when we got Kindred Spirit's new fuel tank made. I suppose they may have upgraded in the four years since.

Pete