Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

I use a Seelye Electric hot air welder for plastics. There are low
cost copies of this torch available on eBay. They go for less than
$50 (US). Air can be used for welding PVC but nitrogen is used for
almost every other type of plastic. You will need a tacking tip and a
plain round tip. Another tip to consider is a speed welding tip which
feeds the rod and welds at the same time.

I rigged up a valve that switches the torch to air during warmup and
when idle. The nitrogen is switched in when welding. This conserves
the nitrogen supply. The air and gas pressure is regulated to about 2
PSI.

I use nitrogen for all plastic types including PVC because it's
easier to prevent charred edges and burning. The cleanest welds will
always be made when using an inert gas. No amount of gluing will ever
equal a properly welded joint.

Tom