Can the Kreg system be used with Plastic?

[Robert Redman]

I have a project in mind for my boat using the type of plastic that cutting boards are made from only this is 3/4" thick.  Will the Kreg system work with this material?  I would think it would work but want to be sure.  Anyone have any experience with this type material?

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Robert Redman]

Thanks guys.  Before we go down this road just a heads up...my project does not need to be water tight.  It is going to be a kind of portable counter top to protect a carpeted area that tends to get some abuse while fishing and to keep tools, baits and scents from sliding around.  Also a place to prepare "cut bait".  I thought that glue might give it that much more strength (although it's not going to be supporting any large load).  I think screws will probably be fine for what I need it for.  Again, thanks for everyones feedback.  As soon as I get the rest of my materials I can start.  I'll send pics when finished.

 

Bob

[Mike Kahle]

You dont use glue.... it will not hold. You have to use a solvent to weld it... Do a google for IPS Weld-On. They make several "cements" which actually melt and weld the plastics together. I have never used it for the white poly they use for cutting boards, but have used the Weld-On #16 for acrylic sheet welding. Made a few aquariums with the stuff that are still being used today.

 

[Robert Redman]

Thanks Mike, I'll check that out.  Everyone has been very hepful.  Also, recieved my Kreg tools in the mail yesterday along with a new Dado blade set.  Now the last item I need is TIME...

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Greg Johnson]

I have used the Kreg Pocket holes in Plastic decking material with good success.  Just be sure your drill stop is on the shallow side and use a bit longer screw or you will pull right through the material.  See my deck bench pictures.  I put hundreds of pocket holes in 1" Timber-Tech and used Kreg Blue-Kote course thread pocket head screws.

[Earl Wilkening]

I have used the Kreg system on 1inch High Density Polyethylene (hdpe).  The course tread screw worked best.  The  joints were tight and strong

[Marc St. Pierre]

I watched your video and you gave me some ideas and for that I THANK you! I also like your music in the video. My wife also likes it, she says it's cool!  All the best!  Marc

Jay Boutwell said:

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a51304d444d774e7a413d0d0a&blogv...

 

This is how I use the helicoils on the HDPE type plastic when I build a jig that I know I will be taking apart and adding different attachements and or just want to be sure I have a jig that will stand abuse.  I have used the kreg screws and they hole well.  on the 90 degree angle attachments and such i use the kreg jig to do the boring and then I asemble it with the pocket screws and then remove one at a time and bore it with the 1/4 inch bit and then  tap it with the special tap and install the heli coil.  On other type jigs i will often just clamp the parts together and drill through with the 1/4 inch bit and tap install the coil and thread in my cap screws.  these come in all sorts of sizes and all threads.  The heli coil were developed for the aircraft industry and i used them in the automotive machinest trade repairing threads and modifying race engines,  I can't begin to tell you how many spark plug threads in aluminum heads that i repaired over my years turning wrenches.

 

the above link is to a musical smile box showing photos of the use of heli coils ,  you can play it full screen by slicking the small icon in the lower left corner of the opened player and close it by using the "ESC" keyboard button.  I hope this will answer the interested members's question and is another method I use to attach hard to do materials.