tarbrush Posted October 30, 2013 Share #1 Posted October 30, 2013 Hi all, I needed to machine the top to the boiler on the steam launch I am building and stumbled onto a perfect material to use. I used an old PVC cap and was really pleased with how easy it was to turn in my Unimat lathe. It's soft and easy to machine but holds nice detail. Just thought I would pass it on. Captain Slog and tasmanian 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wefalck Posted November 1, 2013 Share #2 Posted November 1, 2013 Yes, it may be easy to machine, but PVC contains softeners (which is why it is soft ) that will diffuse out with time, making it brittle. That may be ok for a working model with a limited life time, but not good for 'museum'-type models. There are more durable plastics around, such as acrylic glass. wefalck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Slog Posted November 1, 2013 Share #3 Posted November 1, 2013 Excellent idea John, thanks If PVC is good enough to transport water through my house for decades, its good enough for a model IMHO. Cheers Slog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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