Wind screen repair

[Kevin]

My plexiglass wind screen up on the bridge is broken. What is the best type of glue for this repair?
Package tape got be by last summer. Is there a chemical that will "weld" the plastic together? It is black so just looking for strength as I dont look through it anyways.

[CaptPatrick]

Kevin,

Weld-On #4 is what you need... Water thin so be sure to buy an applicator or use a hypo needle and srynge
=http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plexiglass_Glue



Make sure that the break is tightly fitted and apply the Weld-On at the top of the crack and let capillary action carry the solvent down. If the solvent stops before it gets to the bottom of the crack, drill a tiny hole at the stopping point and apply another shot. Repeat as necessary. The weld is almost immediate and permanent.

[Kevin]

Thanks Pat. Now I am laughing at myself for not asking this last year.
Package tape, really. Only I would do something like that.

[mike ohlstein]

It's probably ethylene dichloride, and will be much cheaper from a chemical supply shop.

To make an applicator, you need a 1/4" diameter glass tube, a flame source, and a triangular metal file.

Light the fire. Heat the glass tube somewhere near the middle until it softens. Pull the ends of the tube in opposite directions until the heated part is about the diameter of angel hair pasta. Remove from the flame and allow to cool. When cool, score the middle of the tube with the file and snap.

Dip the skinny end of your new pipette into the ethylene dichloride and then put your thumb over the top hole. Apply to the crack by making believe you're a 6 year old with a straw and some chocolate milk....

[Kevin]

I think I might try using one of those dental water picks first and see if the stuff will pass though the opening. I can always make the opening larger if needed. It is plastic though, it might wild itself closed!

[Bruce]

A glass hypo needle will work.

[CaptPatrick]

A plastic container is fine. The stuff won't react with anything but acrylic.... Most plastic containers are polyethylene. A squeeze bottle with a stainless pipette is the most controllable and convenient.