hot air plastic welder--brand?

[ATCT]

I have a set of otherwise (than the cracks on them) nice OEM '84 250R rear fenders I'd like to try and save. I'm not a fan of the Maiers. Plastic is not dry rotted and looks good. I'm guessing someone ate it hard and cracked the fenders.

So, I'm thinking of trying the hot air plastic welder route. Can anyone recommend a particular brand? They can get rather pricey. Seeing as I'm not sure I'll end up using it more than this one time, I'd like to keep the purchase price down. How's the Harbor Freight (I think it's $69 or something like that) model?

Thanks

[newby200x]

I was thinking of buying the same model. I'm not a fan of Harbor Freight tools, but I don't plan on using that often. It sounds like if you follow the instructions completely on it, from start up to shut down, it should last a while. I was hoping it would do a cleaner weld than my soldering iron.

[ATCT]

I think this is the model I'm thinking about. As I don't currently have an external air source, I figured it's probably best to get one with an internal unit. http://www.harborfreight.com/plastic-welding-kit-with-air-motor-and-temperature-adjustment-96712.html

I've read a few things about the plastic rods--one person said to use clear ones as none of the reds ever match the Honda red. However, I do have an old fender that I hope I can use. Just hope it's not too dry rotted.

Thanks for the input.

[El Camexican]

Before wasting your money on the Harbor Freight unit you should consider the Barnett Blow Hard, Model 468. It puts out up to 4,000 watts worth of intense hot air depending on which of the four settings you select:

1. Clutch slippage (Low)
2. Bushing materials (Med.)
3. Oil (High)
4. Tecate 3 reliability issues (Nuclear)

The only downsides to this unit is that there is no off switch. It has the potential to run for days on end before shutting down for food or beer, so you have to either ignore it, or learn to live with the heat.

Sorry, Barnes, I couldn’t help myself, please forgive me, I doubt God will:lol:

[phantomtracer]

I have the harbor freight model you are referring to. It get hot enough to melt the plastic. I purchased higher quality plastic rods. You should reinforce the welded area with stainless steel mesh. I have not welded a fender but you will have to polish the weld to get it looking good.


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[ATCT]

Good information. Thanks for that.