Epoxy problem

[PenHog]

Hi All,

I've screwed up a section where I've just now noticed that the nose cone (this is a rollerball) isn't flush against the acrylic; however, the epoxy has now dried. A couple questions:

(1) Does anybody know of a good way to remove the nose cone under these circumstances?
(2) Should I try applying acetone to the inside of the section in hopes of loosening the epoxy, or will this damage the acrylic?

I'd really like to avoid making another section if possible...

Thanks!

 

[budnder]

I've had hit or miss with 20 minutes in a 200 degree oven. One time it worked like a charm to unglue something... Another time trying to remove a brass tube from a wood blank, it did nothing.

I wouldn't even try the acetone if it were me for fear of eating the acrylic.

Not an expert...just experience and opinion.

 

[elyk864]

Use a punch from the other side, I like to hold it in my hand while I hit it because it lessens the blow so not to cause major damage but usually a couple good whacks will break it loose.

 

[PenHog]

Thanks budnder and elyk864, I appreciate the advice. Will try the punch option first and stay away from the acetone. Arghh, it was a mistake I should have easily avoided making...this pen has been a thorn in my side, it's for my mother-in-law...

 

[nava1uni]

I have found that 91% isopropyl alcohol can be used to lean up and undo pieces glued with epoxy. I use a spray bottle and let it set for a few minutes. I use it to clean my hands and tools. Work even when the epoxy has dried

 

[jttheclockman]

Do you have any more of the acrylic and if so try experimenting with the acetone and see if it will melt it. Not all acrylics are alike. I would start there. As far as knocking out, I seriously doubt it but if you use acetone it will give you a better chance.

 

[Paweł.J]

Acrylic + acetone = disaster. I'm using IT to remove pain from pallet. And with mine experience with resin it do not work with acetone at all. But like much resin it works with heat

 

[PenHog]

Thank you for the info, nava1uni and Pawel.J!

The problem has been solved via elyk864's method. I had to actually fix the section in place and get fairly aggressive with a hammer. Absolutely ruined the nose cone, but managed to leave the section unmarked (phew!), which is the part I most wished to preserve. So, thank you to everyone, and special thanks to elyk864!

Attached is a photo with the section shown.

 

[PenHog]

Missed somebody: thank you jttheclockman! I was going to pursue your test next if the hammer solution wasn't making progress.

 

[howsitwork]

Apparently petrol ( gas online ) will remove epoxy? I have not tried this so cannot be sure.

However stick fast heat curing epoxy resin dissolves the stuff! I found out t(e hard way having used epoxy to attach an aluminium flange for a pressure gauge to the 10mm thick lid of my pressure vessel. It was exposed to splashes of the resin which attacked the epoxy overnight rendering it like soft toffee by next day. It also attacked the lid and when next used it fractured at -24"Hg vacuum.

The new lid is polycarbonate and before making it I tested a sample for 3 days in a pot of resin, no reactions !

I was very surprised . New lid has the flange screwed on both sides and silicon applied to give 100% seal

 

[PenHog]

howsitwork: interesting! But I don't trust myself to work safely with petrol

I'll have to look into the stick fast heat curing epoxy resin, sounds like it could be useful for solving future mistakes. Thanks!