howard

I'am new to wood working and just purchased a Jet table saw. I would like to, Accuratize the ability of the saw and make a few jig's. Any helpful hint I could use.
The book I have uses UHMW plastic on some of the jigs.
What is the best way to cut UHMW plastic?

jerry

uhmw can be cut and shaped with normal woodworking tools,gets a little stringy at times.

Regards

Jerry

Graphiti

UHMW Stands for Ultra High molecular weight plastic. The best way to cut it is to use carbide tools only. (It's very abrasive on the cutter.) Setup for a light cut with a high feed rate. Treat it like a very dense and easily burned hardwood. depending on what you are using it for you might consider Delrin or Teflon. Delrin is almost as slipway as UHMW But has for less distortion when compressed, the same is true of Teflon with the exception that it is much slicker. Both are more expensive but not by much.
R.G.

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Marko

Graphiti is sooo right,good advice .I think the "P" part of UHMWP is Polyethylene aka high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or High Performance Polyethylene (HPPE).It's a thermoplastic it has extremely long chains with molecular weight numbering in the millions,the longer chains serve to transfer load more effectively.This results in a very tough material with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made.It is also self lubricating and highly resistant to abrasion,more resistant than teflon.Ok,that aughta do it for todays lecture....stick around,I'm here all week!! Mark

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howard

What about a razor knife? My table saw?

mranum

Your tablesaw will work fine its very user friendly stuff. I have used it alot over the years and the only time I ever had a problem with the waste becoming "stringy" is when I cut it on a band saw. A deburing tool works great for cleaning up the edges so they are not so sharp.

It has limitless uses but if you use it outdoors make sure you get UV( ultra violet light) stable UHMW. Normal UHMW will break down with the suns rays eventually.

Capt Crutch

Don't try to glue it, either.

Technically speaking, polyethylene is a wax and as such cannot be glued.

(However I believe the West System boys have had some luck by heating it with a propane torch almost to the point of burning, and then gluing the roughened surface...that apparently makes polyethylene glu-able to some extent if I remember right.)

obgyn2915

3m corporation produces two types of glue which they recommend for gluing UHMW
Scotch Grip 4693 is a one-part, solvent based adhesive that
can be brushed or sprayed on. Another possibility is DP-8010, which is atwo-part, room temperature curing acrylic. It comes in a cartridge and
is dispensed through a hand-held applicator.
Scotch Grip 4693 should be force dried to
ensure all the solvents have evaporated before your parts are put together.
An oven will evenly heat the entire surface, so that generally works best.However, if you have small parts, a heat gun may work

I believe you can also use Tesa 4970 two sided tape to connect UHMW to other portions of jigs.
Another type of tape is also from 3m called VHB.
UMHW also comes as a tape itself. this allows you to build a jig for woodworking, and then use the UHMW tape to create a slick surface.
Hope this helps. It is a great product, but like everything else, it is a two edged sword. Have to practice a little. You can often get pieces on e-bay.
HTH
Steve

Tom5151

where can i find this type of plastic in relatively smaller amounts? i want to build a cross cut sled and use this for the runners

bradnailer

At work, we've had a few of the thick clear plastic chair pads break and I've taken them home to make jigs from.

mmtools

Tom, you should be able to buy smaller quantities online at some of the WW catalogues. Or, if you look in the local YP under plastic suppliers.

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TexasTimbers

I get mine from SmallParts.com: The Hardware Store for Researchers and Developers

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johnep

Plumbing stores carry Teflon tape. maybe they will have a reasonably thick grade.
johnep

Kenbo

I have used this stuff for many things. Usually for saw stops, tool holders and most recently, I turned a large pulley out of it for my sharpening stone. (wanted to slow the stone down and thought I would try turning the plastic)
It's pretty neat stuff. Busy Bee Tools (here in Canada) sells it and Lee Valley Tools sells it as well.
Ken

TexasTimbers

Another great woodwokring suppier is peachtree supply. I just ordered a bunch of stuff from them today. They also carry UHMW but I didn't realize until I went to their website to re-order some supplies. Ther prices are always great.

Ask for Dee. tell her Kevin from the Kehoe Jig Company referred you. that way she'll charge you 50% more to cover my commission.

Peach Tree Woodworking Supply

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When our outgo exceeds our income, then our upkeep becomes our downfall.
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