Sintra

B

Boriqua

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
655
In my work life I use sintra as an exhibit material. Heat it with a heat gun or in an oven and you can sculpt with it because It becomes very pliable. Now this material comes in a mess of colors and is easy to come by. Is there any reason not to use it? Are there reasons kydex is superior?
Alex
 
I've never heard of Sintra, but it sounds pretty interesting from your description. What kind of shock-absorbtion qualities does it have, and what does it generally cost? Inquiring minds want to know.

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Oz

"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."
- Henry J. Kaiser
 
Sintra is basically flat PVC. THe same stuff that they use in plumbing. It comes in a variety of thickneses right up to 13 mm. Cool thing is it can be glued together with PVC cement or plastic weld. I usually buy it in 4' x 8' sheets for work but I will get some prices together for you and either post or email you on monday.
ALex
 
By all means, please post. I am interested, as I am sure others are. I have looked for PVC sheets before and was never able to find any. I have formed aquarium parts from PVC pipe (tubes with bends and flaired nozzle ends) by heating in boiling water, and the sheet goods may be useful for sheaths. I have a feeling that a Sintra sheath may be too brittle, but that remains to be seen.

[This message has been edited by p1445 (edited 22 October 1999).]
 
Sounds great! As p1445 said, if it's PVC based, it may not be good for sheaths, but handles and spacers could be great. Might even save some bowling balls I was thinking of cutting up.
smile.gif


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Oz

"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."
- Henry J. Kaiser
 
I have used it where I used to work . I don't see why it couldn't be used for sheath material . The stuff I used was 1/4" thick and it was as a layer between the router bits and the vaccume table that held what ever I was cutting at the time .I am interested in some thinner stock
Thanks
 
I've used 3/8 flat pvc for handles on kitchen and filet knives. It works easily with the usual tools, shapes well, doesn't reek too bad when sanded and takes a shine after buffing. The big problem is that it is terrible to pick up dirt and grime off of your sandpaper and buffs. Even a new clean cotton buff turns it black if you buff over the line onto the ss bolsters or guards. My solution to this is to finish the handle, leave it dirty, and dunk/paint it with fieblings leather dye. let dry till slightly tacky, wipe off and rebuff for an interesting irregular grey finish. It does show up any sanding scratches you left though.


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I love my country! I just don't trust my government!
 
Ok the info on Sintra I promised:
Comercial plastics supply corp
(718)849-8100

SINTRA
"A rigid foamed,closed cell PVC that can expand your capabilities like no other product. Sintra can be trimmed or die cut, drilled and saw cut, thermoformed or heat -bend, mill or routed. You can glue , weld, or laminate Sintra. The possibilities are endless. Sintra has excellent chemical risistance and is UL fire rated (94-V.O.)"

According to the catalog it is available from 1 mm up to 19 mm. certain thicknesses are available in Dark blue, dark red, yellow,Green, blue, gray and lt gray, white, biege and black. Some of my exhibits that live outside all year have had color fade. As sheath material I dont think this will be a big issue unless left on a dash board or so.
1mm- .42 sq ft
2mm- .63
3mm- .65
4mm- 1.24
6mm- 1.50
10mm- 2.73
13mm- 3.57
19mm- 6.35

Color prices are a little different but this should give an idea. This company also carries kydex I believe but this is a comercial seller so there is a minumum order.
Alex

 
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