Welcome to the UHMWtips center!
eric.h...@hotmail.com
Using this center
Please Note the following:
In here you're going to find tips from people that have worked with
UHMW for a long time. They know what they're doing.
You're going to find tips from people that have worked with UHMW for
a short time. They THINK they know what they're doing.
You're may find tips from people that have no idea of what they're
doing, but just like to tell other people what to do.
YOU HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PERSON THAT IS
ADVISING YOU.
NEVER, NEVER, EVER let someone else's opinions or instructions
override your own good common sense. If you feel uncomfortable about
anything you've been told, post a topic asking for confirmation or
just don't do it.
We want you to be safe.
On that topic,
SAFETY WARNINGS ABOUT WORKING WITH UHMW
1. Please follow all safety precautions stated in your various
owner's manuals when using power tools to work UHMW.
2. Always clamp pieces when drilling. When routing, DO NOT depend on a
router mat to hold your piece (UHMW is slippery). Clamp it.
3. Extruding material is not recommended. UHMW has an ignition point
very close to its melting point and it requires TONS of PSI to extrude.
It is beyond the casual worker's ability to do so.
4. DO NOT attempt to use power nailers, either air-powered or the ones
with the explosive charge, to nail UHMW. The nail will either ricochet
or jam in the tool, causing a potentially fatal buildup of pressure
within the tool.
5. DO NOT allow this material to catch fire! Burning UHMW smells like
candles, but the drippings are NOT WAX. If they get on your skin, they
will burn through until they hit bone. They will not stop burning
until they use up all of their fuel. IT HURTS LIKE HE and will give
you 2nd and 3rd degree burns..
Now that you have a proper respect for the material, let's continue -
You are welcome to discuss any UHMW-related topic, post topics to ask
specific questions or display pictures or diagrams of any project
involving UHMW you have made or plan to make. I have arranged that all
new entries will be emailed to me, (except for project pages). If they
are questions, I will attempt to post a reply within 24 hours.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT POST TO THE TOPIC "WHERE TO BUY UHMW FROM
US', nor, for obvious reasons, will I allow posts for other sources
of UHMW to stand.