Best method for flattening warped pinball plastics...

[owlnonymous]

Great Tip! I'm need to straighten out one of my plastics on my WH20. I will try tonight.


And BTW, SirMatt.. you are sick for that reference... very sick... Nevertheless I LOL'd

[RAW POWER]

So now that two years have past since this thread was active I'm sure a lot of R&D has been accomplished and someone can answer my question.

I have some Gorgar plastics that will be going in the oven soon. A couple of them have riveted in metal support posts. Is it okay to put the plastics in with the posts attached? I would think yes as long as the posts are pointing upward. Won't be able to put them in between two boards afterward but hopefully it will still get the job done.

[lutesaware]

I've used the oven method many times.  Low heat, around 250 degrees on a cookie sheet. Keep an eye on them and when they flatten out quickly remove them and place them between the pages of one of those otherwise-hardly-used telephone books.  I then place other books or weights on them to keep them flat while they cool.  Works like a charm.

[0geist0]

I jus use heat gun, counter top, lots of heavy books, just be careful, heat guns get the plastics very hot very fast.

[WannaTheater]

Here is my 2 cents about the oven method.  BE CAREFUL because you can ruin them.  I've done several with the mdf method, and they came out great.  But the last time, even though i used the same oven temp, things went awry.  Clear parts of a plastic becamy wavy looking.  And another plastic formed bubbles in it.

[k7]

Here is my 2 cents about the oven method.  BE CAREFUL because you can ruin them.  I've done several with the mdf method, and they came out great.  But the last time, even though i used the same oven temp, things went awry.  Clear parts of a plastic becamy wavy looking.  And another plastic formed bubbles in it.

what game? maker and title would be of interest, maybe a risk based on build date and maker?

for me, it's oven or nothing for classic ballys and williams.

[RAW POWER]

So should the metal support posts that are riveted to the plastic be removed first or is it okay to leave them on?

[k7]

i'd leave them alone, and watch them. 250 degrees isn't really that hot...just flattens out age wrinkles.

others can chime in, but i'd be done watching them cool off by the time they do.

[bjones]

Plastics that bubble and ripple like that were left in the oven WAAAAAY too long   I usually just watch the plastic through the window, when it naturally flattens out 90% pull them out and drop a piece of heavy glass on top to flatten.   It goes fast, but having the oven too hot will melt them quick as well.

[RAW POWER]

My mistake, k7. Didn't see your post asking the make and model. It's a Gorgar. Looks like it's a go for baking. I may do it tonight. I'll let y'all know the results.

Thanks guys!
Kurt

[pinballpimp]

I have a secret!

[k7]

I have a secret!

he uses gel, not mousse.

[k7]

the best bang for the buck ever. i'm cooking up some haunted house for dinner:

[wildwest3163]

mmmm, looks tasty . My problem with those big pieces is shrinkage. Good luck!

[k7]

no shrikage, or not noticeable. i've stuck with the oven preheat to 250 degrees, 1/4 mdf, plastic on top, graphics down, 10 minutes on the dot, then clamp it to another sheet of MDF and let cool for about 1/2 an hour.

has been perfect each time. thanks, prOk.

i also have dismantled 300zx tail lights using the oven, by heating up the tar used to seal them together, then pulling them apart. flattening plastics is a huge relief compared to that task.