Where to buy acrylic adhesive

This is the case with MOST coatings, paints and solvents. We are being sold on "new improved" formulas when the reality is that the new formula sucks but is mandated to pass new VOC regulations. How many times have you heard that water based polyurethane is so much better than oil based? It is a load of crap...

Remembver the old "sniff proof" Testers model glue (you know the stuff in the green tube)? It sucked... the tree huggers and "we want to save you from yourself" crowd are slowly but surely passing laws so that we ALL have to use SNIFF PROOF glue.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9322651#post9322651 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
There is a difference between sealant and solvent cement. The sealant can be used to stick baffles in sumps but is not suitable for building acrylic containers or aquarium projects. The sealant simply forms a mechanical bond (a weak one at that) between the two pieces of acrylic. Solvent cement actually melts the acrylic and allows it to fuse (weld) together into a single piece.

The MEK and acetone are the solvents. You could use just straight MEK and a syringe as long as you have very good edges. By adding chips of acrylic you now have a product that is able to fill gaps. Once the MEK evaps you have a good joint. I have used weld-on and this process and I have yet to determine if one is superior than the other. Just as a FYI the acetone is a hotter solvent and can cause crazing however using MEK by itself just takes longer.
 
I understand what MEK and ACETONE are as well as what the acrylic chips do. They MEK and ACETONE are not nearly as ideal as the Methylene Chloride/Trichloroethylene based solvent cements.

I am sure James can elaborate on the reasons...

I did not say it would not work, I simply said that it is not a suitable option for building important structures :) I also commented on the silicone based sealants.
 
Wow, i forgot i even started this thread. I found a place called paragon plastics. They are in Santa Ana. They sell Weld-On 16, as well as some others. It worked great. I used it to put a baffle in my sump.
 
Home depot has it all. If using volutile solvents like MRK, Methylene Chloride, etc; be sure to use plenty ventilation. Great solvents, but bad for the lungs...
 
BeanAnimal ...

BeanAnimal ...

did you purchase your Weld-On locally?

I've been wanting to get some Weld-On #16 and don't want to deal with getting it through the Internet. Some places won't sell to the general public and I was wondering if you would be able to direct me to any places near Pittsburgh that will.

Thanks in advance,
woodymac64
 
Hey BeanAmimal, you seem to be knowledgeable on the subject.

Has anyone used the PVC cement for acrylic?

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=23468-138-31019&lpage=none

or the purple primer?

I tested both of them on pieces of acrylic and after letting it set for 2 hours I tried to rip them apart. The acrylic broke and the weld stayed in tack. It made a very strong bond.

I only used it in my sump to hold up some support brackets for my filter sock plate, it doesn't have to be water tight.

I thought I'd throw that out there clause I really don't know.

Will it hold a sump together and be water tight?
 
atvdave...

short answer. NO you can not use PVC glue on acrylic. There are a lot of variables... but in the long run it is simply not a suitable solvent for the construction of sumps or other types of tanks.
 
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