Up cycle you say

C

cEdge

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Apr 14, 2011
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A while back with all the talk of color scales I thought it can't be that hard can it? Well, it's not easy either. Did a little research and was looking for acrylic or something similar, I was getting discouraged.

Then I stumbled upon HDPE. Good ole #2 recyclable plastic. Find the how to on youtube. I kept it rough for now, it will get slick if you let it. All you need is a bottle of detergent, lids from your favorite beverage or anything with #2 in a triangle.





This stuff is soft, power tools will eat through this in a blink of an eye. Take your time and go slow. With that said, it took me all of 30 minutes with an oven and a wood vice to make the slabs and maybe 20 to cut and shape. I was going for fit not finish. That will come later with the next variation. Scales already in waiting.

Now while I was messing with tools, I thought "Hell, why not" and grabbed a rotary tool. I always felt the forefinger area was a bit cramped. A few minutes later and it was done. Finally made this suckered mine.





So next time youre at your local mega mart, you might come across a bottle of detergent and think that would make a great set of scales. Okay probably not but you should.
 
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Interesting idea for the handles. I'll have to check out the procedure - thanks.
I had to reshape my 11, as well.
Before:

After:

 
That is an awesome idea for making scales. Another example of an inexpensive way to make your knife better with things you find around the house.

Can you link the video here for everyone to learn how to do this?

Great got on the finger guard mod as well!

Jeremy
 
There is not a ton of info out there on HDPE plastic up cycling but there is enough. Any interweb search will provide the basics. Below is one I had viewed.

Making A Pulley Wheel From Recycled HDPE: http://youtu.be/JyZMWLkcfes

The short version select HDPE containers, clean, melt at 400, press, repeat to remove voids and/or improve color. Once cooled, shape with everyday wood working tools. Some things to keep in mind, clear melts better than color. Its very soft, power tools will rip through faster than the proverbial hot knife through butter. End product can be slick. I'm thinking heating up some screening type of material and pressing into flats

One last tip, once shaped do not reheat. It will warp, badly
 
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Pretty cool man. I see the guys on the slingshot forum make slingshots out of HDPE all the time. Cool process.
 
The Warrior said:
Pretty cool man. I see the guys on the slingshot forum make slingshots out of HDPE all the time. Cool process.
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Thanks. There are some how to videos from those guys on youtube. It was fun trying something new. Next time I will focus more on the finish
 
hhmoore said:
Interesting idea for the handles. I'll have to check out the procedure - thanks.
I had to reshape my 11, as well.
Before:

After:

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Looks good! I'm very happy with my mod. It really improves the grip on the 11
 
Interesting idea. Thx!

cEdge said:
... melt at 400 ...
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Intrawebs say ... HDPE melts at 256°~356°. Do not go over 350° to avoid smoke and fumes.


To increase grip, stippling should be easy. Or use a clothes iron set on 'wool' (~300°) and something like a piece of wire screen and press in a pattern.
 
TravisH said:
Interesting idea. Thx!

Intrawebs say ... HDPE melts at 256°~356°. Do not go over 350° to avoid smoke and fumes.


To increase grip, stippling should be easy. Or use a clothes iron set on 'wool' (~300°) and something like a piece of wire screen and press in a pattern.
Click to expand...

Clear/translucent melts at a lower temp, color requires higher temp. At 410 there were no fumes.

I was considering heating up some screen material then I realized the extra I have is plastic :(
 
I am going to be making myself a set of these, thanks for the info!

You could heat up the tines of a fork on the stove and user that, don't forget the pot holder.

Another idea is to take your rotary tool of choice to a spoon and heat that up after shaping to your desired shape. You can also use the heated bowl of the spoon for smoothing out high/rough points.

HHMoore, I take it that there would not be adequate retention from the factory sheath after grinding down the tab that the sheath holds onto?

Was an aftermarket sheath required?
 
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Very cool. I rounded my 11 to be more like the 14 as well. See below. Gratuitous chicken salad is a bonus.

P1030680.jpg
 
NJBillK said:
I am going to be making myself a set of these, thanks for the info!

You could heat up the tines of a fork on the stove and user that, don't forget the pot holder.

Another idea is to take your rotary tool of choice to a spoon and heat that up after shaping to your desired shape. You can also use the heated bowl of the spoon for smoothing out high/rough points.
Click to expand...

The tines of a fork are an interesting idea. If it comes down to it I will give it a try. I would like something uniforn, perhaps the tines of a fork would help me get there quicker
 
Very nice! How sturdy is it? Could you make a sheath? That would look purdy with a matching yellow sheath
 
Its not sturdy, it would have to be made slightly thicker perhaps. Its bendy we'll call it. It could be done if one was so inclined.
 
NJBillK said:
I take it that there would not be adequate retention from the factory sheath after grinding down the tab that the sheath holds onto?

Was an aftermarket sheath required?
Click to expand...

I can't speak for Moore but my 11 works fine with the factory sheath. He had taken a bit more than I did
 
Hmmm, bendy, eh? My 14 fits perfect in my carhart back pocket because they're deep, been carrying it there almost every day since I got it. I was thinking about making a square wallet size leather sheath so it will be a little softer but this sounds a little intriguing. Keep us posted on other projects if you're so inclined and thanks for showing this! Never heard of it until now.
 
Very nice! Is that a tac-pen? I have one started but stalled from being indecisive on which direction to go. After seeing yours, I think I'm going to start over lol. Mines pancake style wet formed in my vacuum sealer, I like how yours is folded at the bottom with the second pocket. Yup, redo...
 
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