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Microwave drying

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  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Philomath, OR, USA
Posted by knight667 on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:56 PM
Y'all probably know this, but...a microwave works by "exciting" water molecules. That's why it's so easy to boil water or reheat food, but they don't retain their heat like they would if you put them in the oven instead.

If you put a model kit in the microwave, chances are it might explode. There are little airpockets in the pieces sometimes, certainly in the sprue, and any "loose" molecules in there could get "over excited" and cause a..."bad" shall we say? reaction.

Lay the pieces out on a paper towel overnight and have patience. Big Smile [:D]
John "The only easy day was yesterday." - US Navy SEALs "Improvise. Adapt. Overcome." - US Marine Corp. "I live each day/Like it's my last/...I never look back" - from "I'm A Rocker" by Judas Priest
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 6, 2005 5:38 AM
yep the micro will do... it if u want to create the worlds first model of the blobLaugh [(-D]Laugh [(-D] ...jazz
  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Utereg
Posted by Borg R3-MC0 on Friday, May 6, 2005 2:33 AM
drying models in the microwave!!! That sounds like a bad idea!

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: returning to the FSM forum after a hiatus
Posted by jinithith2 on Thursday, May 5, 2005 9:00 PM
you don't want microwave........
it might melt the styrene and ruin the modelBig Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 5, 2005 8:55 PM
I think the microwaves have seen the biggest changes....ie more powerful. I know I have to reduce all cook times on my microwave in half. You can use a blow dryer on low setting holding it a nice distance away.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Thursday, May 5, 2005 8:32 AM
I'd avoid the microwave. Water will dry pretty quickly on its own. A friend tried to force dry oils on resin kit in the microwave and had to rebuild an arm. If you really need to dry it off quicky, hold it in front of a fan or hairdryer on low setting.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Microwave drying
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 10:01 PM
It's been a while since I've built my last model. Last time I built one, my first step was washing the parts in dishwashing liquid to rid it of mold-release agent, and sticking it in the microwave to dry it.

Back then, styrene wouldn't heat up, but the water was evaporated pretty quick. So has styrene remained pretty much the same or have they, since, added anything to it that might cause it to get hot and warp? With today's EPA standards, it's hard to say what changes have been made as the years passed.

Thanks,
Kevin
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