Looking for advice on plastics

[Docwolf]

I am toying around with some ideas for hand forming roll cages from plastic rod, I am in the very early planning stages here and am looking for the right materials to use. I ordered up some 1/4 ABS rod, the size is right for the project and the material appears to be rather easy to work; maybe too easy in fact. Even in a 2 inch section the material is easy to flex by hand making me think it may be TOO playable for the project.

I have built steel cages in the past from both brake line and solid rod, but I am looking to build a scale yeti with a SC body and full cage. I want to keep it lightweight and it seems like a neat project to try.

My plan is to count drill the ends and intersections, insert an aluminum or metal sleeve, then use that to reinforce the joint while holding the assembly together with 3mm count sunk hardware. I am going to use a heat gun to hand form the curves I need; I am considering order up some Delrin next to try out but wanted to see if anyone has had similar experience with plastic rod. It looks like there is only about 50F difference in working temps between ABS and Delrin but i am curious as to how well Delrin actually bends.

[rhuggins215]

I'm curious as to how you made out with this. I'm also looking to build a Delrin Rod Rock bouncer cage.

[Gula]

I've bent delrin with a blowtorch, smell is toxic so beware! But it's a very strong cage. Never finished mine and when cleanup time came I tried to smash it to no avail. Still have it somewhere

[Jim85IROC]

If kydex is available in rods, I'd give that a try. I use 1/8" Kydex sheets for my miscellaneous RC projects. It's a lot more rigid than ABS, and it's also a lot easier to work with when heated. No toxic fumes that I'm aware of... or at least none that have an aroma.

[Docwolf]

Never did anything