how to build with styrene

[anthguteirrez]

guys and gals i was going to start building my own styrene parts (once i get the know how) and wanted to know everyones in put on the glues used and tools to cut etc. everyone let me know

[anthguteirrez]

come on everyone let me know your techniques or knowledge..i ordered magazine about doing this cant wait to get it and start learning

[trailqeen]

yeah i know some of you guys no how to do it. i have the same questions to

[don_jarr]

Hi all

It really depends on what you want to build, but companies like plastistrut sell all shapes and sizes of styrene from tube to girder type stuff, so you can build quite complex bits with ease.

I recently made a snorkel setup for my blazer, and while I know it’s not to everyone’s tastes, it fits with what I am building. You can also see in the picture the windscreen surround with again is plastistrut U beam.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/snorkel1.jpg

Then you go onto using just sheet styrene and cutting and forming it to what you want. The blazer always had a very sparse dash layout, so by using thin sheet styrene I cut template in cardboard first, then cut it in plastic and made a new centre console and dashboard.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/dash.jpg

As for glues, I tend to have a tube, a pot of thicker revell liquid and the very thin Humbrol liquid. I also use Humbrol model filler as this is styrene based and bonds to the styrene in much the same way the glue does, its far better than automotive based filler or milliputt.

As for tools, I have a set of cheap scalpels which are ace for cutting it, a cutting board as this has lengths on it as well, and a bit more expensive but a Proxxon table saw which is good for cutting thin strips and larger bits.

If you want more tailored advice to something specific you want to make post up details and I’ll see if I can suggest a few ways of doing it.

:) Don

[janderson]

I like the snorkel!

[anthguteirrez]

wow that is an awesome snorkel :yourock: and thaks for the advice!!!

well i have a tamiya bruiser and of course the popular thing is to chop off the bed cab and build a tool box which doesnt seem very complicated just need to know the proper sanding technique and glues/fillers to build it also i wanna make my own interior and such ive never ever touched a sheet of styrene so i am new to this so i would say trial and error would be the best start

[don_jarr]

Hi all

I made a small tool box/storage box, and the best thing to do is find a life size version and save a few pictures of it to your computer for reference, and work from those.

This was simply a rectangular box made from styrene, then I added the thinner strips to look like the overlapping lid, then stuck tread plate styrene sheet on top. On the back which you can’t see in those pictures, I used three ¼” bits of thin styrene tube to simulate hinges, and the handle is a bit of bent brass with washers soldered on. I then painted is JCB yellow, and alloy and printed off some JCB logos on laser decal paper for the side.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/box1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/box2.jpg

As for sanding styrene is very soft, so use a 320 grade abrasive paper to take off the worst of it, then smooth with a 600.

As for the interior make it in cardboard first, which is much easier to cut and work with, then once it’s just about right transfer the cardboard bits to styrene and glue together.

I also find styrene is sometimes not tough enough for bits or if I need several, so I make the master first in styrene or whatever I have to hand, then mould it in silicon and cast a solid resin bit. This makes the bits much stronger, and also allows for me to make lots if needed. Most of the bits are superficial, but I wanted exhaust pipes at the back, as well as detail bits like the winch and fuel can. I am also working on a bracket mounted hand held fire extinguisher and another fuel can to fit in the side recess bit of the back of the blazer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/pipes.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/winch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/don_jarr/jerry.jpg


:) Don

[anthguteirrez]

sweet thanks for posting those pics nice job!!!! i want to build a gas tank for my bruiser (truck tank) im going to have to look up all those supplies you mentioned to prep for the build.
you should post more pics of your builds and of your truck:Tamiya1:

[backtomyroots]

Great information. At the risk of sounding like a fool - is styrene strong enough (if used correctly I guess) for a radio tray or battery tray in a scale ride :help: ? Or should I be looking at something completely different ? Need something that requires little tools or no machining.

[don_jarr]

Hi all

I will sort some pics out of my turch as it currently stands and post them.

As for styrene for battery box and servo tray, its hard to say. The battery box pending battery size would probably be ok, but if you ever watch a servo when working the steering for instance, there is quite a lot of resistance fed back on the servo, and styrene tends to flex a lot under strain.

I realise you are not in the UK, but you have shops like this over there that sell electronic bits and associated components, so I would try and get a pre made box like these that are sold over here. (they are PCB boxes really) There are dozens of different sizes, so you can find one for most jobs. In the past I have cut a tall flat box down to get a tray. I am also planning on mounting the steering servo in one at the front of my blazer with a rubber gaiter for the rod to come out of. Compact, but strong and waterproof

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?mainclassid=38&pctitle=Enclosures&classtype=M&doy=31m1&C=Maplin&U=TopClasses&T=Enclosures

:) Don

[Gomjaba]

Even better :

http://ema-models.com/shop/

Buy any kind of material for a cheap price ...

[anthguteirrez]

Even better :

http://ema-models.com/shop/

Buy any kind of material for a cheap price ...

hey thanks for that looks to be alot of good stuff :yourock:

[don_jarr]

Hi m8

EMA models is great, but send for a catalogue as it shows stuff in much better detail.

:) Don