I use to work in a plastic factory, and we went by those numbers on the bottom. Coke bottles with a one was grinded down into flakes then melted to make fiber to mimic cotton and it is used for some clothing but mostly carpets. We had to sort the plastics on a sort line and I could tell what number on the bottom just by looking at the plastic and no need to look at the numbers. Number 2 is HDPE, number 3 PVC 4 is LDPE, which is the opposite of 2. 5 is PP which stands for polypropylene. 6 is PS, is what polystyrofoam. 7 is OTHER. Which is a mix. Anyways we sorted this just by looking at the plastic. The number 2and 5 is a floatable while 1 sinks so they had a machine that would spin the flakes in water tank called a slurry tank and separate the flakes and get the number 2,5 in a collection box after it goes in the spin dryers. All they wanted was number 1. 2,5 gets put in a box and they sent it off and usually is what plastic toys are made of. The garbage plastic 3,4,6,7 we had to throw them away in a hopper. PVC , and 4 sink with the number 1 and can cause trouble with the 1. PVC melts at a lower temp than number 1 and so it's harmful to breathe it and makes hard ends in the fibers to make carpet. Also will mess up the machines. I forgot to say number 1 is PETE. Also number 1 is sorted by color and sprite and 7up bottles are green and it's used for fake grass Astro turf. Bottle caps are number 2,5 also. Lot to do when sorting these by hand and ground up by machines. You have to be very fast too. I also worked in quality control where I had to test the plastic make sure it had a low number in PVC. You bake a sample and PVC turns black pick em out weigh it and calculated it and if it's over 250 parts per million it's quality is bad . I haven't worked there in years and can't believe I still remember all that. I thought you would like to know since you are doing a plastic project!! 😊
@DAVID CAIN Dude, I am just a bystander looking at him giving information about his job and you bringing up his possible past and me wondering why his past matters.
Intersting! I just did a video on this at ua-cam.com/video/BKOjSleQLIY/v-deo.html People know so little about recycling plastics, its important to spread the word.
+SillyConeBaby Mrs. Brown did not approve of this. In all honesty the VitaMix could grind up a brick and still be fine, but I'm not using it anymore...
+Peter Brown I have a Vitamix and there are different containers for different uses (wet vs. dry). If you use the wet one to mix up dry stuff you'll mess up the walls of the container. I like what you did and am going to buy another container for dry stuff and a may try my hand at it. : )
i would suggest folding the plastic over itself and rolling it back out several times in both directions while hot. it pulls the chunks into strands, creating more of a marble texture, as well as strengthening the material. polyethylene never truly melts, it softens, so rolling, folding, kneading, etc is needed to ensure all of the material has become bonded. it also ensures that there will be no air bubbles in the finished material
@@jasonlisonbee I have used a rolling pin with good results. But you have to work it fast before it cools. I have a metal work bench I rigged a hot plate under. It buys a lot of time but it makes the boys really sweat :)
Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot. I think I need to go to Goodwill and buy a cheap blender and toaster over. This plastic is everywhere and it's so useful for making things. I'm using those beer 6-pack carriers to make washers and some slides. They're made out of recycled HDPE.
That is a Vitamix blender, I hope you remember what you paid for it because in Norway you can use one as a down payment for a motorcycle. I finally refound your channel and subscribed to it this time. I have equally bad habits as you. 1 thumb up.
Thomas Hanson Really D.P. for Motorcycle? That is an Expensive Blender with Expensive Stainless Steel Blades Must Not Dull Easily on HDPE Plastics. Should Be Sharp Tough Blades Can Sand down Granite Stones and Nuts.
Great minds think alike. I actually did this exact same thing about 18 years ago. I melted mine on a grill with assistance from a propane torch. I melted mine in a soda can with the top cut off. I used my block of plastic (which, with all the colors, turned out to look a LOT like pretty sausage when cut open) to make some parts for a pachinko machine I was building from scratch. The whole melting and using process worked out VERY WELL. So I KNOW you'll have great success with the block you made.
Steve French That's cool! The propane didn't get too hot? I was worried about that... I know this was a while ago, but do you have any pictures of the machine? That sounds really neat!
I didn't have a machine, per se'. I just put my shredded plastic into a soda can with the top cut off and cooked it on a gas grill until the center liquefied. But it was a chilly evening so I assisted by heating near the top with a torch. I still have a puck or two of that plastic. It looks cool. Oh, yes the outside of the "ingot" got a little burnt and discolored. But the discsoloration was only skin deep. I'd rather have done mine in an oven, like you did, but I wanted to do it outdoors 'just in case' it off-gassed toxic fumes; I wasn't sure.
Peter Brown , oh the pachinko machine! Duh. Not handy, but I could take some within the next few days. It's not a completed project yet. I had to move in the middle of the project and just never got back on it. But I've got a lot of the parts made. And the assemblies that I used the milk jug plastic are completed and fully operational. I'll take some pictures. One day I really need till get back on that project. It was off to such a great start and would be total badass when completed.
Thank you so much, it's so lovely that you've done something simple, useful and practical with plastic. I've been looking for some how to turn those tiny bits of plastic you get in ring pulls and label tags and all the tiny bits that birds eat etc, into a brick!!!! You are so clever and productive. When I was at uni I got as far as cutting water bottles into strips and seeing what happened to them in the oven. (They went bubbly). Can't wait to build a brick mould, I'm starting a pot for the bits today! Xxxx
Well you earn a like. I've watched a bunch of people recycling HDPE like this, but you're the first one that I haven't had to yell at my screen, "JUST USE A BLENDER TO CUT IT UP!!!" Thank you for your basic common sense.
Hey just an idea. For processing the thin plastic try a cheap paper shredder. I have seen soda cans, nickels and many other things destroyed by a cheap shredder. Might save some time.
Hello Peter I like your example of melting down plastic into a block which can used for another purpose. I like the fact that you are coming up with a practical solution which can be used in many ways.
Very interesting, and looking forward to the use video Peter. Will be trying this as I have been collecting detergent bottles and the like for future use for some time. Saw a video of women forming jewelry beads from the melted plastic heated in a wok over a campfire once, so I know it can be done. I have access to a full size double oven that I use to kiln dry wood, which could make this a production capable project. Sharing what little I know: I worked at a PVC pipe plant for 2 months (and was proud of myself for lasting that long...) where we also made rolls of HDPE pipe. The base pellets were white, like the milk bottles, we mixed in black color pellets in a 6 ft. deep pallet size box. The pipe was an off black color in the end, so constant mixing of the heated pellets will blend the color. The process had 3 steps, Preheat, pressurized heat where the pipe was formed, and a long cool-down. I think the longer cool down process coupled with pressure kept the air pockets away. Maybe a metal form to retained heat longer, and a hydraulic jack bench press could produce a solid block without voids. HDPE can be recycled multiple times, we reground all of our culls and mixed them in with new pellets. Great for guys that like to use very once of something... not pointing any fingers... just sayin'.... :)
Andy Owen Wow! Thank you for taking the time to write that all up! Loads of great information. If you end up making some, with your method, please show me a picture. I love hearing success stories!
Funny thing. I was making my smoothie this morning and was wondering how I could use the Vitamix in the shop. It's got to be the most powerful machine in the house.
That is a good way to test new recycled product ideas by the everyday person. Also if you need something plastic that you can't buy, you can make it yourself.
Awesome. I loved the time-lapse melt! I've dabbled with this stuff, too. Be careful when turning- it's tough in a way that's hard to believe. Toaster oven was a great idea ;)
"Playing with….milk jugs" ! That is what life is all about. Most kids know how to do that. Only special adults have retained that attitude. I love it ! ! ! That is why some guys go to their shop for onerous work, and others hit the workshop to have a good time. Good subject well presented.
I own a motorcycle & ATV shop. So, I have a ton of old broken plastic off 4 wheelers I saved when I was planning on building a screw type extruder for injection molding. When it got to the point where I had to chip it up, as much as I needed I had to come up with a way to do alot of volume really fast. So, I tried my troy-bilt brush chipper. It made 1/2" or smaller chips out of the fenders like they were butter. I learned to put a garbage bag around the exit at the bottom so I didn't have anything to sweep up and I didn't contaminate the plastic with dirt from the floor. The styrene and other plastic that doesn't float or remelt well makes good material for French drains, hydroponics, aggregate that needs to be lightweight and not rust, polycrete, padding, and no telling what else. Once turning it from big fenders to small chips became easy, it was easy to find uses for the stuff. An electric chain saw works best for going from huge pieces to strips that the chipper likes to consume. I've used the recycled plastic to make bushings, knobs, lights, etc. It's great stuff...
This is awesome! Im trying to find a way to start taking all my communities plastic, melt it down, and make something out of it to try and help keep it out of our landfills.
Hi, Peter: The worst thing about turning HDPE is that the shavings don't break. They just keep coming off by the running mile and building up into rat's nests and getting wrapped around the live center and other things. I recently retired from working as a process operator in a petrochemical plant where we made HDPE. The stuff was supposed to come out of the chemical reactor in a granular form similar to sugar, but sometimes there would be problems in the process and lumps would form that would plug up the conveying piping. I did try turning some of the lumps but the resulting mess of tangled shavings created more of a disposal problem than I wanted to deal with. I never considered melting the shavings back down and re-casting them. Perhaps an opportunity lost..... :D Take care Bob
Bob Hamilton Bob Hamilton! I've started reading your articles in 2009 when I first got into wood turning! It's really cool to see you commenting on my channel. Even built the cup and ball toy you posted! imgur.com/WRWrM I was enjoying the shavings on the HDPE. But I'm happy to be back to working with wood for this weeks project!
Peter Brown Thanks, Peter. I did watch your videos on turning the HDPE after making this comment. Your shavings were very fine and breaking up compared to what I used to get. Probably the big difference was that the chunks I was using were irregular globs 6" to 10" in diameter and I was turning bowl forms with a pretty aggressive tool technique so my shavings were much coarser. I never had much luck sanding the stuff but a bevel rubbing cut would leave almost a gloss finish that would actually be worsened by sanding. Take care Bob
Bob Hamilton I noticed that with the sand paper too. I also tried to shine it up with my heat gun. (A less than successful experiment) It gave it a shine, but also spun a bit out of round. Next time I'll just try a nice bevel rubbing cut!
I really love your video, and your creation. What I like the most is that nothing is ever lost, be it chips of wood, plastic, or resin, you will always find them useful for future creation, and that's it , which is great. One mire time, Bravo
I've been kicking around ideas like this for a while not quite the same but I recently have found it hard to find recycling for plastics and Wal-Mart's bag recycling came under a bit of scrutiny so I wanted to take it into my own hands. You answered some of the questions I had for my own projects which is great
Interesting idea for #2 plastic recyclables. It will be interesting to see what you turn it into. The best part is that everyone has these plastics and all they do is clutter the landfills and last forever. Using your idea actual turns these into usable alternatives that be melted down again and again to make new turning products. The cost zero. Great idea!
many many thanks. i've turned those blocks into outboard engine mounting shims, boat fishing rod mounts, shelf legs for wet areas and many other stuff. great and cheap for rough and wet use.
hahaha truly i was and still am a greenhorn until i saw your video, with regards to everything about this. i just cut, ground, melted and shaped the stuff as you have shown. then cut and shape the pieces with a hacksaw, some files and sandpaper.
I have already destroyed 4 Goodwill blenders. Made a bunch of blanks. One big problem if you are making pens, nothing will glue the tubes to the HDPE. Limited success with CA but usually takes more than one try
I can't believe you stuck that in a vitomix! Pretty sweet. Ironically I work for the company that makes almost all those bottles that you recycled....pressure is how we heat it up!
There is a mobile crane in the place i work and the blocks it uses to spread its feet on are made from this, i have never thought of using it for a lathe turning project BUT NOW I AM :) thanks to you Peter the crane driver will be loosing sleep veeerry soon
That was so easy thank you! However since you were going to use the stock plastic for turning why didn't you use a can or other cylindrical object in order to press and shape the final blank?
izzy swan Thanks Izzy! This material is also good for plastic bushings. Pour it into a piece of capped PVC and they just drill out the ID and slice off spacers/bushings at the band saw!
I'm saving up my plastic now & I purchased a heat gun so I'm excited. I'm going to make a hexagon out of smaller hexagons if that makes sense in the garden for mom
Thanks. I found this very interesting, but am really glad I was not around when your Wife found out what you'd done to her blender and the blades for it.
Oh, there is hell to pay in some marriages with women who just don't seem to understand. They are the same ones that want a SECOND dress and milk for the kiddies. Shameful Shameful Mrs America
I make jewelry out of recycled paper. I've been looking for a way to make buttons for bracelets. Looks like I just found it. Wicked cool! Someone in the comments asked what you would use this block for. Silly, silly them!
That was awesome. If my kids did that I would have freaked out. I actually did LOL at the table saw comment. Thanks......it's been a long week and I needed that chuckle. Cheers
I use a sandwich press. it heats both sides quickly. I cut a milk container down to about 2.5 inches and pile the bits into that. No real need to pulverise it. I just lean on the lid and it all stays together and melts nicely.
I like it. I think I will try it after I buy an oven to myself. I am planning to produce 2 blocks and fix them in the corner on the wall by driller and put a small corner-shelf on them. (Maybe I can produce th shelf in same method. If possible material will be very suitable to shower, and will look very colorful) :)
Thank you Peter. Please go on use it. This material is very useful wet or can be wet areas like bath, shower, pool or in kitchen; beside of using for art and decorative objects.
cutting board was mentioned. could one make an entire kitchen counter using this? I'm trying to find ways to design a house using repurposed and recycled items. *Could* you make a house out of this? and what would be your glue? lol
You could, but it would take extreme amounts of plastic and you wouldn't be able to easily put power or cables into the house. You would also need very large molds and a way to compact the plastic into the molds. There is a company (don't remember the name) that makes fit-together bricks of plastic for house construction.
+Mackan90096 Some of these plastics become brittle over time,especially due to UV rays. But I'll bet you could add some type of UV protectant to them and I see no reason why they couldn't be used to build one tough house. Making it cost effective would be the trick. I would think you would need a large (transportable) oven or kiln and molds, which could be standardized for certain "parts." Building a single house would probably not be cost effective, but building many just might be. Hemp-crete or earth bags would be (probably) cheaper for a one-off
Since watching videos like this I have been on the lookout for #2 plastic but haven't found it in very many colors other than translucent milk bottles. I did find a big, green kitty litter bottle that is #2. Seems like every bottle cap (red, blue etc.) I come across is all #5 yet I see people on these videos using boxes full of bottle caps...oh well, the hunt continues!
This is cool stuff, thanks for sharing. I was playing around with this stuff last winter, I made an ashtray then I quit smoking lol. But I still have an idea, I haven't had the time for. It seems to reason that one could use a bottle jack to make an extruder. Heat the plastic in a tube and while still hot out of the oven, squeeze it with the jack
Kevin R Moore Congrats on kicking the habit! I quit back in 2009. We're better for it!Now you can re-melt it and try the jack. I'm honestly not sure. It is really sticky before it cools though.
I don't know what's wrong with you but I love it, LOL. That looks cool, and its free. I will have to keep my eyes open for a toaster over at a yard sale of something. Great stuff Peter, I love seeing the things you come up with.
Really cool video. Great experimentation. I like that it didn't come out like you had hoped. I like seeing that not all projects come out--well, actually that's ALL my projects, LOL.
+Royce A Calderin Pellot you can also gradually crank the heat up to 385°F if you are below sea level/at a low altitude. I made a small HDPE drink coaster out of a to-go food bag(it was white, and the "ink" was in fact just a very thin layer of colored HDPE on top of the white plastic bag. The 2 colors were black and red), and a laundry detergent bottle. The major swirls of orange and white with faint traces of black and red actually look very cool.
Your wife might send a hit squad to me, but a dep fat frier would make a good melting pot too. But be a hero. Buy her a nice new one, and use the old one in the shop. Likewise hair dryers.
Nice. :) "Live people ignore the strange and unusual. I, myself, am strange and unusual." - Bonus points if you know the movie that came from. :P Your wife may not be happy you took the blender. I do things like that all the time. I have used the coffee bean grinder for things other than coffee beans but shhh... our secret. *laughs* That's pretty awesome. :) I like doing things like that just to find out what will happen. :P I have a microwave kiln for glass fusing but when I got it the problem was not having a microwave. I don't believe in using the microwave for cooking. :P I went out though and bought a new microwave just for the glass fusing. I also have a dedicated rotisserie toaster oven for baking my clay creations. - Heidi
BlackCat2 I'd say the name, but I wouldn't want to summon anyone!! :) She was NOT amused. If I do this again, I'll be buying a shop blender! Ooo, I've got a coffee grinder too....
Peter Brown LOL!! you are hilarious. :) You get the bonus points even without saying it. I know you know it. :) You should get one of those blenders that can blend the iPhone etc. I can't remember the name now. I hear they are good though. LOL well don't annoy her again by using the house coffee grinder. ;) I use it for conditioning clay that is a bit hard in a fast easy way so my hands don't feel like they will fall off. :p - Heidi
BlackCat2 I am confuse why wives are not into science. I am also a women not less of a women, but I enjoy experiments. Men/ husbands.brothers/fathers can be upset too for using kitchen items for experiment, all men in my family cook.
It would be cool to make tools or outdoor furniture with melted plastic. Even those little bricks could be used to make something as grand as a house. I think the plastic could make good building blocks as well. The possibilities are endless.
I love recycling and I really liked how you turned something that would normally be thrown away into something useful. I've subscribed to your channel and I look forward to following you on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing.
wonderful idea... I will make shelves!... some support 4 books, cats, kittens in the upper wall... very nice! ( be careful ppl. because plastic is a little dangerous to work...(careful with splits!!, wear thick gloves like in the video,, and when the plastic is melting,,, try t be far away from the oven.. set the time and go to another room, and keep the windows open or put a fan.. ) I really appreciatte this video!!!awesomeeee!!!
I use to work in a plastic factory, and we went by those numbers on the bottom. Coke bottles with a one was grinded down into flakes then melted to make fiber to mimic cotton and it is used for some clothing but mostly carpets. We had to sort the plastics on a sort line and I could tell what number on the bottom just by looking at the plastic and no need to look at the numbers. Number 2 is HDPE, number 3 PVC 4 is LDPE, which is the opposite of 2. 5 is PP which stands for polypropylene. 6 is PS, is what polystyrofoam. 7 is OTHER. Which is a mix. Anyways we sorted this just by looking at the plastic. The number 2and 5 is a floatable while 1 sinks so they had a machine that would spin the flakes in water tank called a slurry tank and separate the flakes and get the number 2,5 in a collection box after it goes in the spin dryers. All they wanted was number 1. 2,5 gets put in a box and they sent it off and usually is what plastic toys are made of. The garbage plastic 3,4,6,7 we had to throw them away in a hopper. PVC , and 4 sink with the number 1 and can cause trouble with the 1. PVC melts at a lower temp than number 1 and so it's harmful to breathe it and makes hard ends in the fibers to make carpet. Also will mess up the machines. I forgot to say number 1 is PETE. Also number 1 is sorted by color and sprite and 7up bottles are green and it's used for fake grass Astro turf. Bottle caps are number 2,5 also. Lot to do when sorting these by hand and ground up by machines. You have to be very fast too. I also worked in quality control where I had to test the plastic make sure it had a low number in PVC. You bake a sample and PVC turns black pick em out weigh it and calculated it and if it's over 250 parts per million it's quality is bad . I haven't worked there in years and can't believe I still remember all that. I thought you would like to know since you are doing a plastic project!! 😊
Nice
Awesome! Thanks for sharing
@DAVID CAIN Why does that matter?
@DAVID CAIN Dude, I am just a bystander looking at him giving information about his job and you bringing up his possible past and me wondering why his past matters.
Intersting! I just did a video on this at ua-cam.com/video/BKOjSleQLIY/v-deo.html People know so little about recycling plastics, its important to spread the word.
Eeek, not worried the table saw... But I AM freaking out about your wife's food-cooking appliances being used for melting plastic :-O
+SillyConeBaby Mrs. Brown did not approve of this. In all honesty the VitaMix could grind up a brick and still be fine, but I'm not using it anymore...
+Peter Brown you mean bricks?
He didn't melt plastic with a blender
+Peter Brown I have a Vitamix and there are different containers for different uses (wet vs. dry). If you use the wet one to mix up dry stuff you'll mess up the walls of the container. I like what you did and am going to buy another container for dry stuff and a may try my hand at it. : )
Don't need to buy another blender, just another container with blade.
i would suggest folding the plastic over itself and rolling it back out several times in both directions while hot. it pulls the chunks into strands, creating more of a marble texture, as well as strengthening the material. polyethylene never truly melts, it softens, so rolling, folding, kneading, etc is needed to ensure all of the material has become bonded. it also ensures that there will be no air bubbles in the finished material
+gearhed3113 Thanks for the tips!! I appreciate it.
Would a bread making machine be suitable?
@@jasonlisonbee I have used a rolling pin with good results. But you have to work it fast before it cools. I have a metal work bench I rigged a hot plate under. It buys a lot of time but it makes the boys really sweat :)
And here I thought you were talking about making a katana..... well the folding and all that stuff
dang thats a good idea , i wonder how many times you could actually fold plastic ?
Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks a lot. I think I need to go to Goodwill and buy a cheap blender and toaster over. This plastic is everywhere and it's so useful for making things. I'm using those beer 6-pack carriers to make washers and some slides. They're made out of recycled HDPE.
We love this how-to! That's essentially all it takes to make poly lumber and poly furniture! Just add dye, form it into boards, and build with it.
Is there a way to make diy poly lumber at home safely? I’d love to try.
That is a Vitamix blender, I hope you remember what you paid for it because in Norway you can use one as a down payment for a motorcycle. I finally refound your channel and subscribed to it this time. I have equally bad habits as you. 1 thumb up.
Thomas Hanson Really D.P. for Motorcycle? That is an Expensive Blender with Expensive Stainless Steel Blades Must Not Dull Easily on HDPE Plastics. Should Be Sharp Tough Blades Can Sand down Granite Stones and Nuts.
+Anthony Ivan Aglugub Jr. Sure, and then you find plastic dust in your food later.
junbh2, don't use it for food after, get another for food if needed.
@@jasonlisonbee There is thing called washing...its pretty effective against plastic dust...
@@trilobyte3851 Plastic sticks to plastic. It probably works better to blast compressed air through it when it's dry.
I think it's great that you're blending the material as opposed to just leaving it in strips keep up the good work
I graduated in Polymer engineering and I am in polymer sales to manufacturers who process PP and PE. It’s a huge industry with many applications.
Great minds think alike. I actually did this exact same thing about 18 years ago. I melted mine on a grill with assistance from a propane torch. I melted mine in a soda can with the top cut off. I used my block of plastic (which, with all the colors, turned out to look a LOT like pretty sausage when cut open) to make some parts for a pachinko machine I was building from scratch. The whole melting and using process worked out VERY WELL. So I KNOW you'll have great success with the block you made.
Steve French That's cool! The propane didn't get too hot? I was worried about that... I know this was a while ago, but do you have any pictures of the machine? That sounds really neat!
I didn't have a machine, per se'. I just put my shredded plastic into a soda can with the top cut off and cooked it on a gas grill until the center liquefied. But it was a chilly evening so I assisted by heating near the top with a torch.
I still have a puck or two of that plastic. It looks cool. Oh, yes the outside of the "ingot" got a little burnt and discolored. But the discsoloration was only skin deep. I'd rather have done mine in an oven, like you did, but I wanted to do it outdoors 'just in case' it off-gassed toxic fumes; I wasn't sure.
I meant the pachinko machine! :)
I didn't get any fumes in the shop from this. In fact it was less toxic than putting lacquer on a project! :)
Peter Brown , oh the pachinko machine! Duh. Not handy, but I could take some within the next few days. It's not a completed project yet. I had to move in the middle of the project and just never got back on it. But I've got a lot of the parts made. And the assemblies that I used the milk jug plastic are completed and fully operational. I'll take some pictures. One day I really need till get back on that project. It was off to such a great start and would be total badass when completed.
Peter Brown If you keep the temp down below about 350° F you won't get any fumes. If you go any higher than about 360° F you might start to get some.
Thank you so much, it's so lovely that you've done something simple, useful and practical with plastic. I've been looking for some how to turn those tiny bits of plastic you get in ring pulls and label tags and all the tiny bits that birds eat etc, into a brick!!!! You are so clever and productive. When I was at uni I got as far as cutting water bottles into strips and seeing what happened to them in the oven. (They went bubbly). Can't wait to build a brick mould, I'm starting a pot for the bits today! Xxxx
smitten kitten I'm glad you found some use in it! I wish you luck! If you do end up making a block, let me know. I'd love to see it!
The block of plastic looks like the most incredible soap you'd ever use. I think I might use this video as inspiration for soap making
+Some Kind Of Cat Process is similar i suppose! :)
Well you earn a like. I've watched a bunch of people recycling HDPE like this, but you're the first one that I haven't had to yell at my screen, "JUST USE A BLENDER TO CUT IT UP!!!" Thank you for your basic common sense.
The blender is weirdly satisfying to watch
***** n....no.......what? stop
Strange 030Guy o
If you like that, you should find the blentech channel! They have a "will it blend" series that's hypnotic to watch
makes me want to buy my wife a blender just so i can use it in the shop to grind up milk jugs and lids.
Hey just an idea. For processing the thin plastic try a cheap paper shredder. I have seen soda cans, nickels and many other things destroyed by a cheap shredder. Might save some time.
Hello Peter I like your example of melting down plastic into a block which can used for another purpose. I like the fact that you are coming up with a practical solution which can be used in many ways.
Very interesting, and looking forward to the use video Peter. Will be trying this as I have been collecting detergent bottles and the like for future use for some time. Saw a video of women forming jewelry beads from the melted plastic heated in a wok over a campfire once, so I know it can be done. I have access to a full size double oven that I use to kiln dry wood, which could make this a production capable project.
Sharing what little I know:
I worked at a PVC pipe plant for 2 months (and was proud of myself for lasting that long...) where we also made rolls of HDPE pipe. The base pellets were white, like the milk bottles, we mixed in black color pellets in a 6 ft. deep pallet size box. The pipe was an off black color in the end, so constant mixing of the heated pellets will blend the color.
The process had 3 steps, Preheat, pressurized heat where the pipe was formed, and a long cool-down. I think the longer cool down process coupled with pressure kept the air pockets away. Maybe a metal form to retained heat longer, and a hydraulic jack bench press could produce a solid block without voids.
HDPE can be recycled multiple times, we reground all of our culls and mixed them in with new pellets. Great for guys that like to use very once of something... not pointing any fingers... just sayin'.... :)
Andy Owen Wow! Thank you for taking the time to write that all up! Loads of great information. If you end up making some, with your method, please show me a picture. I love hearing success stories!
High pensity doly ethylene
+Thomas Playsted That's the one... I get confused sometimes!
HDPE -- Hormone Depleted Phallic Emitter
@@thepvporg Depleted or depleting? Or should it be displacing?
@@jasonlisonbee Optically speaking as if its repeating...
High Poly Density Ethylene
Funny thing. I was making my smoothie this morning and was wondering how I could use the Vitamix in the shop. It's got to be the most powerful machine in the house.
Seriously. I wonder what sort of router bits we could fit in it? :)
How much did vitamix pay for that little plug
I'm impressed that you not only made a chakram out of wood but that you can use it
That is a good way to test new recycled product ideas by the everyday person. Also if you need something plastic that you can't buy, you can make it yourself.
That looks like a deliscious christmas candy treat.
Awesome. I loved the time-lapse melt! I've dabbled with this stuff, too. Be careful when turning- it's tough in a way that's hard to believe. Toaster oven was a great idea ;)
pocket83 Thanks Pocket! Really? It does feel really dense, I'll put a sharp edge on the tools first!
Pro trick : you can watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.
"Playing with….milk jugs" ! That is what life is all about. Most kids know how to do that. Only special adults have retained that attitude. I love it ! ! !
That is why some guys go to their shop for onerous work, and others hit the workshop to have a good time.
Good subject well presented.
tom jackson Thanks Tom! HDPE is fun material and I agree. If it's a chore to go out to the shop, you're doing it wrong!
I own a motorcycle & ATV shop. So, I have a ton of old broken plastic off 4 wheelers I saved when I was planning on building a screw type extruder for injection molding.
When it got to the point where I had to chip it up, as much as I needed I had to come up with a way to do alot of volume really fast.
So, I tried my troy-bilt brush chipper.
It made 1/2" or smaller chips out of the fenders like they were butter.
I learned to put a garbage bag around the exit at the bottom so I didn't have anything to sweep up and I didn't contaminate the plastic with dirt from the floor.
The styrene and other plastic that doesn't float or remelt well makes good material for French drains, hydroponics, aggregate that needs to be lightweight and not rust, polycrete, padding, and no telling what else.
Once turning it from big fenders to small chips became easy, it was easy to find uses for the stuff. An electric chain saw works best for going from huge pieces to strips that the chipper likes to consume.
I've used the recycled plastic to make bushings, knobs, lights, etc.
It's great stuff...
Great video. A decent paper shredder works really well to make little chips that melt quickly!
Ben Fairfield really! That's a great tip, thanks!
mmmh, hdpe just how mom use to make it.
what a great idea make plastic blocks out of used melted plastic bags and let the kids play with them.
This is awesome! Im trying to find a way to start taking all my communities plastic, melt it down, and make something out of it to try and help keep it out of our landfills.
Hi, Peter:
The worst thing about turning HDPE is that the shavings don't break. They just keep coming off by the running mile and building up into rat's nests and getting wrapped around the live center and other things. I recently retired from working as a process operator in a petrochemical plant where we made HDPE. The stuff was supposed to come out of the chemical reactor in a granular form similar to sugar, but sometimes there would be problems in the process and lumps would form that would plug up the conveying piping. I did try turning some of the lumps but the resulting mess of tangled shavings created more of a disposal problem than I wanted to deal with. I never considered melting the shavings back down and re-casting them. Perhaps an opportunity lost..... :D
Take care
Bob
Bob Hamilton Bob Hamilton! I've started reading your articles in 2009 when I first got into wood turning! It's really cool to see you commenting on my channel. Even built the cup and ball toy you posted! imgur.com/WRWrM I was enjoying the shavings on the HDPE. But I'm happy to be back to working with wood for this weeks project!
Peter Brown
Thanks, Peter. I did watch your videos on turning the HDPE after making this comment. Your shavings were very fine and breaking up compared to what I used to get. Probably the big difference was that the chunks I was using were irregular globs 6" to 10" in diameter and I was turning bowl forms with a pretty aggressive tool technique so my shavings were much coarser. I never had much luck sanding the stuff but a bevel rubbing cut would leave almost a gloss finish that would actually be worsened by sanding.
Take care
Bob
Bob Hamilton I noticed that with the sand paper too. I also tried to shine it up with my heat gun. (A less than successful experiment) It gave it a shine, but also spun a bit out of round. Next time I'll just try a nice bevel rubbing cut!
Peter Brown
That reminds me. I made some of those cup and ball toys out of HDPE chunks for some of the guys at work. :D
***** No here baby, no here..
VERY unique Peter!
Nick Ferry Thank you Nick!
You're a brilliant non-evil genius. I was grooving on textile recycling and found this video!
So much thanks , I’m a sculptor and you provide me whit a new idea for my coming exposition in may .
3:17 Looks like you made Rice Krispies treats out of Fruity Pebbles.
Just found your channel and it's the channel I've been waiting to find for so long!
I really love your video, and your creation. What I like the most is that nothing is ever lost, be it chips of wood, plastic, or resin, you will always find them useful for future creation, and that's it , which is great.
One mire time, Bravo
I've been kicking around ideas like this for a while not quite the same but I recently have found it hard to find recycling for plastics and Wal-Mart's bag recycling came under a bit of scrutiny so I wanted to take it into my own hands.
You answered some of the questions I had for my own projects which is great
Peter Brown This is so cool. You could make runners for jigs and they would not shrink or expand.
Average Guy Woodworking That is brilliant! They would make great runners...
I loved this video. Great work. I'm going to have to try that. I'm sure it would turn very easily.
Subscribed.
WorkshopAddict Thanks for subscribing! I saw your colored pencil bottle stopper! Very cool... :)
Interesting idea for #2 plastic recyclables. It will be interesting to see what you turn it into. The best part is that everyone has these plastics and all they do is clutter the landfills and last forever. Using your idea actual turns these into usable alternatives that be melted down again and again to make new turning products. The cost zero. Great idea!
Richard Katzman Thanks Richard! I've made two things so far, and now working on a third idea. It's really neat material!
many many thanks. i've turned those blocks into outboard engine mounting shims, boat fishing rod mounts, shelf legs for wet areas and many other stuff. great and cheap for rough and wet use.
***** Sounds like you've got a lot of experience! How do you process your plastic?
hahaha truly i was and still am a greenhorn until i saw your video, with regards to everything about this. i just cut, ground, melted and shaped the stuff as you have shown. then cut and shape the pieces with a hacksaw, some files and sandpaper.
Now that it just a great idea using the blender.
I have already destroyed 4 Goodwill blenders. Made a bunch of blanks. One big problem if you are making pens, nothing will glue the tubes to the HDPE. Limited success with CA but usually takes more than one try
Yeah, can't wait to ruin my $600 Vitamix blender chopping up 10¢ worth of plastic jugs.
very cool Peter can't wait to see how it turns out
Robbiethewoodturner Thanks Robbie, I'm still undecided on what to make... Maybe a multi axis? :)
Peter Brown Go for it :) cheaper than rezin lol
slingshot enthusiasts use hdpe to make slingshot frames because they are very tough,and easy to shape,very cool project Peter
Ron Sanford That's a cool use!! It cut like butter at the band saw... now I just need a project for it!
Awesome! I've done projects using hpde... But the blender was a great idea! Beats cutting all the pieces by hand.
Construct Icon I saw the video by AtomicShrimp and after processing a single bottle I had blisters on my hands. The blender was heaven sent!!
a plastic brick to build a plastic house
+truemisto I'm going to need more milk jugs...
+Peter Brown Good thing you're not in Canada, bags..
+Jacob Booth Where do we get them anyway? I've lived in Canada my whole life and never seen one.
+Jacob Booth Where do we get them anyway? I've lived in Canada my whole life and never seen one.
Bags of milk are usually in Eastern Canada. Not as frequent out west.
I can't believe you stuck that in a vitomix! Pretty sweet. Ironically I work for the company that makes almost all those bottles that you recycled....pressure is how we heat it up!
***** My bride wasn't happy. I'll be buying a shop blender tonight. That's cool. Is there a How It's Made like video for that process?
***** The machines in the PET process are amazing! Thanks for the links. That was incredible...
There is a mobile crane in the place i work and the blocks it uses to spread its feet on are made from this, i have never thought of using it for a lathe turning project BUT NOW I AM :) thanks to you Peter the crane driver will be loosing sleep veeerry soon
That's a strong blender. Great video editing and cool recycling job.
That was so easy thank you! However since you were going to use the stock plastic for turning why didn't you use a can or other cylindrical object in order to press and shape the final blank?
That's was very cool! Now I have to try.
izzy swan Thanks Izzy! This material is also good for plastic bushings. Pour it into a piece of capped PVC and they just drill out the ID and slice off spacers/bushings at the band saw!
It was actually very hot. Please use gloves.
I'm saving up my plastic now & I purchased a heat gun so I'm excited. I'm going to make a hexagon out of smaller hexagons if that makes sense in the garden for mom
Thanks. I found this very interesting, but am really glad I was not around when your Wife found out what you'd done to her blender and the blades for it.
Howard Johnson Thanks! Yeah... she wasn't amused at all!
Oh, there is hell to pay in some marriages with women who just don't seem to understand. They are the same ones that want a SECOND dress and milk for the kiddies. Shameful Shameful Mrs America
Interesting idea Peter, lets see what we can do with it, thanks for sharing
Miguel Sanchez Thank you Miguel! I'm racking my brain for a good project... :)
Peter Brown What about making building blocks with it?
have you ever made a phonecase? like a battery cover out of plastic?
I see beer mugs, coasters, pens, rings, objects d' art, CNC material, cabinet door handles, shelving.... the list seems endlessly imaginative. :)
Agreed. I'm pretty excited about getting my hands on free material for the shop!
I don't know how to wood work or anything, I just love watching your videos
You should make skateboarding wheels out of this
PushTheRear him and Braille should collaborate
Making skateboard wheels out of this stuff would be pointless as skateboard wheels are made out of polyurethane not plastic. 😈
darkstardavros polyurethane IS plastic. it's a thermosetting plastic, while hdpe is a thermoplastic.
Or a penny board.
Keep them coming!! It's refreshing how you always have something cool to show!
Vasilis Bounellos Thanks! I've got some more ideas in the hopper!! :)
I make jewelry out of recycled paper. I've been looking for a way to make buttons for bracelets. Looks like I just found it. Wicked cool! Someone in the comments asked what you would use this block for. Silly, silly them!
I love that you use a Vitamix as a shop tool
"So I stole the blender from inside the house..." You're single, aren't you? Or will be soon.
Omg
Haha, yes, it may not be a popular decision....
01:00 really sounded like Jory Carons tagline "Is it a good idea to microwave "insert item here" "
Hmm, I wonder.
That was awesome. If my kids did that I would have freaked out. I actually did LOL at the table saw comment. Thanks......it's been a long week and I needed that chuckle. Cheers
Whatcha Making? My wife wasn't happy, and yeah my table saw gets a lot of abuse! :) Thanks for watching Heather!
I use a sandwich press. it heats both sides quickly. I cut a milk container down to about 2.5 inches and pile the bits into that. No real need to pulverise it. I just lean on the lid and it all stays together and melts nicely.
welcome to cooking HDPE with Peter Brown ;)
Could you turn this on a lathe? I really like turning and would like to know
That's cool I love how colorful it turned out to be.
The candy sprinkle cake stand with this as a base might be pretty cool.I might try it later
I like it. I think I will try it after I buy an oven to myself.
I am planning to produce 2 blocks and fix them in the corner on the wall by driller and put a small corner-shelf on them. (Maybe I can produce th shelf in same method. If possible material will be very suitable to shower, and will look very colorful) :)
+Barış Çeviker That sounds like a great application! If you don't mind I might just steal that for a video!
Thank you Peter. Please go on use it. This material is very useful wet or can be wet areas like bath, shower, pool or in kitchen; beside of using for art and decorative objects.
The ending result kinda looks like a cereal bar...I have an urge to just take a bite out of it.
Lol😅😅😅😅😅😅mmmmhhh😋
A friend of mine builds boats completely out of HDPE sheets using a plastic welder...very cool concept.
Nice experiment Peter. Can't wait to see you turn it.
jo neekxkens Thanks! We'll see... :)
cutting board was mentioned. could one make an entire kitchen counter using this? I'm trying to find ways to design a house using repurposed and recycled items. *Could* you make a house out of this? and what would be your glue? lol
You wanna make a plastic house?
You could, but it would take extreme amounts of plastic and you wouldn't be able to easily put power or cables into the house. You would also need very large molds and a way to compact the plastic into the molds. There is a company (don't remember the name) that makes fit-together bricks of plastic for house construction.
The company's name is LEGO
There are manufacturers who make plastic sheet already.. lots of it out there.
I wonder if you could build houses with those..
+Mackan90096 That's a lot of milk jugs...
+Mackan90096 As a substitute to brickwork?
IT'S OVER 9000!
+Mackan90096 Some of these plastics become brittle over time,especially due to UV rays. But I'll bet you could add some type of UV protectant to them and I see no reason why they couldn't be used to build one tough house. Making it cost effective would be the trick. I would think you would need a large (transportable) oven or kiln and molds, which could be standardized for certain "parts." Building a single house would probably not be cost effective, but building many just might be. Hemp-crete or earth bags would be (probably) cheaper for a one-off
+believe it if anything, reusing it as a building material helps keep it out of landfills
Peter you know you have to show us you turning that. Can't wait
Custom Chris I need to come up with an idea. I'm leaning toward a handle of some sort...
Peter Brown endless possibilities my friend
Since watching videos like this I have been on the lookout for #2 plastic but haven't found it in very many colors other than translucent milk bottles. I did find a big, green kitty litter bottle that is #2. Seems like every bottle cap (red, blue etc.) I come across is all #5 yet I see people on these videos using boxes full of bottle caps...oh well, the hunt continues!
My question is always, are the plastic fumes dangerous??
+Marlene Ansley Yes, but if you keep HDPE below 350F you will not get fumes. STILL open a few windows....
+xlioilx Exactly.
+xlioilx nice explanation, I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for clearing that up!
+xlioilx nice explanation, I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for clearing that up!
+xlioilx nice explanation, I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for clearing that up!
Keep your eyes open for an old VitaMix blender. They'll grind up 2X4's!
Lewie McNeely No Doubt! I might need to buy one for the shop. My wife flipped when I told what I did to ours...
The old adds had the Vita Mix "blending" 2x4 chunks, no joke. They're tough as woodpecker lips!
@
Lewie McNeely LOL @ tough as woodpecker lips!
This is cool stuff, thanks for sharing. I was playing around with this stuff last winter, I made an ashtray then I quit smoking lol. But I still have an idea, I haven't had the time for. It seems to reason that one could use a bottle jack to make an extruder. Heat the plastic in a tube and while still hot out of the oven, squeeze it with the jack
Kevin R Moore Congrats on kicking the habit! I quit back in 2009. We're better for it!Now you can re-melt it and try the jack. I'm honestly not sure. It is really sticky before it cools though.
6 years ago?! And this man have a great quality of video
Hi, Any issues with fumes when melting this stuff?
no, HDPE and PP melt non-toxically at relatively low temperatures. other plastics, not so nice.
Thank you. Going to play with this stuff.
I am waiting to see what are you gonna make with it!
Scrap wood City I still haven't decided! I'm always open to suggestions!
Peter Brown Is it enough for some jump rope handles?
Scrap wood City Maybe one, but I've got plenty of bottles for another... That would make a really cool handle.
Peter Brown cool!
Scrap wood City bullet proof plate for plate carrier
I don't know what's wrong with you but I love it, LOL. That looks cool, and its free. I will have to keep my eyes open for a toaster over at a yard sale of something. Great stuff Peter, I love seeing the things you come up with.
woodturningjohn Thanks!
Really cool video. Great experimentation. I like that it didn't come out like you had hoped. I like seeing that not all projects come out--well, actually that's ALL my projects, LOL.
Joseph Gillen That's the thing. Not all ideas have to work. Though, I like it better when they do! :)
Are there any fumes and if so are they toxic?
+JixelJwn There can be fumes, if you have the heat up too high. Still a well ventilated shop is a must!
Wouldn't there be dangerous fumes when you melt plastic?
yes but if you keep HDPE below 350F there arent any Fumes,STILL open a few Windows.
+Emre Ka 175C (just cause I had to look it up)
+Justin F you are both right.. 350 F is (roughly) the same as 175 C
+Royce A Calderin Pellot you can also gradually crank the heat up to 385°F if you are below sea level/at a low altitude. I made a small HDPE drink coaster out of a to-go food bag(it was white, and the "ink" was in fact just a very thin layer of colored HDPE on top of the white plastic bag. The 2 colors were black and red), and a laundry detergent bottle. The major swirls of orange and white with faint traces of black and red actually look very cool.
+TattooedAussieChick both HDPE and polypropylene melt non-toxically at relatively low temperatures.
thumbs up for thanking me for stopping by
This is why i love your channel
Elijah Hayes Thank you!!
Your wife might send a hit squad to me, but a dep fat frier would make a good melting pot too.
But be a hero. Buy her a nice new one, and use the old one in the shop. Likewise hair dryers.
tom jackson super idea!!!
going to try it!
+tom jackson not hair dryer, but construction fan. 1KW is enough to melt stuff directly into molds.
I use the dryer for other things, like making thick varnish "slump" flat, accelerating fiberglass cure, blowing off dust, and a bunch of other uses.
my wife would kill me if i used her griddle or blender like that... you poor man.
edit. its a vitamix you were killed.
Mrs. Brown wasn't happy. The vitamix could blend a shoe and be fine, but for the sake of my marriage I don't touch it anymore...
Peter Brown my glob vitamix blenders are super expensive
+Luna Kurosaki (Liz) did you just say glob instead of God?
goodwill or a thrift shop
That's awesome. Think if we could build schools out of those bricks. So cool.
Leia Bray Ha! That would be cool. I know they built a full house out of LEGO bricks once.
you can make alot of things with this block, you're creative asf
+Cueio Robotico - Irmão do Cueio Mecanico thanks!
About a $300 blender to recycle plastic... I'm sure that went over well with the wife.
It wasn't a great conversation. In my defense, that blender would grind up a shoe and still be fine... She did see it that way! :)
Peter Brown
Hey can you make a mask from the anime Bleach out of this stuff?
Hayden Frost That would be awesome
Ya really think its safe to use food iimplements for recycling plastic? I wouldnt use that oven for food now.
@@franssantos9417 why not?
Nice. :) "Live people ignore the strange and unusual. I, myself, am strange and unusual." - Bonus points if you know the movie that came from. :P
Your wife may not be happy you took the blender. I do things like that all the time. I have used the coffee bean grinder for things other than coffee beans but shhh... our secret. *laughs*
That's pretty awesome. :) I like doing things like that just to find out what will happen. :P I have a microwave kiln for glass fusing but when I got it the problem was not having a microwave. I don't believe in using the microwave for cooking. :P I went out though and bought a new microwave just for the glass fusing. I also have a dedicated rotisserie toaster oven for baking my clay creations.
- Heidi
BlackCat2 I'd say the name, but I wouldn't want to summon anyone!! :) She was NOT amused. If I do this again, I'll be buying a shop blender! Ooo, I've got a coffee grinder too....
Peter Brown the coffee grinder is not strong enough ,mine wasn't yours may be better quality
Ron Sanford Good to know. Maybe for something else though...
Peter Brown LOL!! you are hilarious. :) You get the bonus points even without saying it. I know you know it. :)
You should get one of those blenders that can blend the iPhone etc. I can't remember the name now. I hear they are good though.
LOL well don't annoy her again by using the house coffee grinder. ;) I use it for conditioning clay that is a bit hard in a fast easy way so my hands don't feel like they will fall off. :p
- Heidi
BlackCat2 I am confuse why wives are not into science. I am also a women not less of a women, but I enjoy experiments. Men/ husbands.brothers/fathers can be upset too for using kitchen items for experiment, all men in my family cook.
It would be cool to make tools or outdoor furniture with melted plastic. Even those little bricks could be used to make something as grand as a house. I think the plastic could make good building blocks as well. The possibilities are endless.
I love recycling and I really liked how you turned something that would normally be thrown away into something useful. I've subscribed to your channel and I look forward to following you on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing.
You didn't use a blender. You used a Vitamix! Lol
use it as building brick! it solves worlds trash and homelessness problems...
+motariz the awesome Ha! That's a LOT of milk bottles...
Peter Brown fj
wonderful idea... I will make shelves!... some support 4 books, cats, kittens in the upper wall... very nice! ( be careful ppl. because plastic is a little dangerous to work...(careful with splits!!, wear thick gloves like in the video,, and when the plastic is melting,,, try t be far away from the oven.. set the time and go to another room, and keep the windows open or put a fan.. ) I really appreciatte this video!!!awesomeeee!!!
Cool. I never would have thought about trying something like that. Nicely done video as well.