Hi All - Long time, no see!
I am starting to think that some sheet styrene or styrene rod (is that the term?) would be of use in my builds (gap filling, reinforcement, etc.).
The problem/opportunity is that I don’t know where to begin. Would someone please offer suggestions regarding what types and thicknesses I should start off with for general use?
Thanks,
Griffin
While I can’t think of specific measurements to suggest, I’d say that a decent supply of plain sheet styrene of varying thickness, some solid rods and tubes of plastic and then some thin strips of styrene ought to set you up for just about anything.
That is my go-to stock of random plastic that I keep nearby, plus a few others for specific uses.
But the plain sheets and strips ought to be enough to makes shims and the like for most situations.
I’ll second Dre. Its hard to give a specific thickness until you know exactly what you need it for. So having a variety at hand is useful. I would also suggest a sheet of the clear styrene which i find very useful.
Usually, gaps can be filled with anywhere from .10 to .40 strip. I find .10x.40 and up to .80 usually covers a lot of filler need. I also get .40 rod, and there are “variety” packs you can get that contain a selection of sizes.
Sheeet styrene can also be purchased in variety packs, but a sheet of .10 is good for detailing, like making armor schurzen. Thicker sheets, like .40 or above are better for structural needs.
You can also get thicker strip, like .100 or so or structural bracing. But again—ditto what the other guys said. You have to really know what you want to do first and then go into the store and find their “Plastruct” tree, and look at what they’ve got. That’s the best way to determine what will work for the specific application you need.
As Doog mentioned, assortment packs can be handy. Evergreen (for one) does assortment packs of both white styrene sheets and rods/tubes. They’re relatively inexpensive, and a good way to pick up a "starter set’ of thicknesses to get a feel for what will prove most useful. From there you can order larger quantities of ones you’ll use most often.
Awesome Guys, Thanks!
I’ll try to find some variety packs to start myself off with and add some of the strips, rods and sheets suggested.
I would also suggest the assortments, but if you do want to get a start without using an assortment, I find I use 03 and 1/16 (06) the most frequently. Those two sizes can do a lot of jobs. I use the 040 next most, use very little 020 but do use some.
Another vote for picking up an Evergreen assortment pack. I’ve got one one my bench that I’m always using.
This is from another thread where I’m using Evergreen sheet to re-build the cockpit tub of an old Revell 1:32 F-4J. I’m using sheet pieces for the main panels, then will use strips, rods, and other shapes to add details. I normally will use an index card to make a pattern for trial & error fitting, then cut the final piece out of plastic.
Mark
HI:
I have read through this very carefully . DOOGS and the other guys have given you a pretty good bunch of advice . I will say though , I stay away from " PLASTRUCT " for many reasons .you have to be careful with them , because a lot of what they make available is ABS . This won’t work with anything but "super glue " They have gotten into offering STYRENE , but I still stick with " EVERGREEN " products .
I buy in bulk of course ,because of my scratch-bulding for clients . I still find ,they have the best scope of items you would need . I also recommend that you get the catalogues from BOTH companies ,as they will give you a much better picture as to what each offers . (It’s changed a lot since I last ordered anything from either )
You would be surprised what is out there for you . I make use of a lot of .010 , .020 . generally , and a lot of .040 and .080 for underframing and support structure. When you have their catalogous in hand the world is your oyster as far as plastic . The assortment pack usually has one or two sheets of clear and I have found the heavier of the two (perhaps .020 ) does and can be used for vac-forming if you’re careful.
They have lots of square and round rod stock , as well , and many structural shapes (from little " I " beams to Big un’s ) . check it out , you won’t be disappointed . Tanker-builder
Plastruct makes a solvent called “Plastic Weld”. It will work on ABS, plexiglass, and just about any kind of plastic. I picked up a bottle (orange label) at the LHS for about $3.00. It contains MEK and seems to be a good solution for bonding many types of plastic.
I went to the LHS today and bought a bunch of stock, all Evergreen:
An assortment pack with one each, .01, .02 and .04 thick sheets,
An assortment of rods and tubes,
A sheet of .01 thick clear styrene,
.04 x .1 strips,
.06 x .1 strips,
.08 x .1 strips, and
.1 x .1 strips
It seems like it’s more than I’ll ever need but that may change as I get more builds under my belt.