9 replies to this topic

[Firefox551]

Ok, so I have had a dremel for a while and have been using a face mask to protect against harmful fumes, but my mother thinks that the fumes relased when dremeling plastic smell just awful (which they do) and is worried about the safety of the family. I just want to know if these fumes are harmful, and if so, just how harmful can they be. Yes I did search.

[Firefox551]

Oooops, guess I've been pushing a bit to hard on my dremel. I will be careful to avoid that in the future.

[UpperHand]

Yeah, the plastic used in stock guns melts at relatively low temperatures. Try to minimize friction as much as possible, sometimes you can even buy bits or saws specifically for plastic. On a side note, if using a dremel on stock plastic, make sure you use goggles. I had a melted piece of plastic fly off and hit my eyebrow, and if it had hit me in the eye, it would have seriously damaged my vision.

[imaseoulman]

Yes, eye protection is a must. I've gotten small amounts of plastic in my eyes and though I've suffered no permanent injuries, there has been a close call and it's very uncomfortable. I now ALWAYS wear eye protection.

Also, get a high speed cutting tool. Those large abrasive discs cut by friction. The high speed cutting tools don't have the same large diameter, but they actually cut faster and don't release as many fumes.

[Merzlin]

So, that smell is actually Harmful? Shit....HOW harmful?

[neonpistols]

I could not find the exact type of plastic used in Nerf blasters but most plastic release cyanides or PCB's which are not very harmful unless taken in large amounts. I do suggest dremeling in the garage or a opening a window. Or as Just Some Bob said take it easy on the force that you use, I also turn the speed of my dremel to a lower level depending on what I am dremeling.

[Nerfer327]

Just Dont Shove the bit into the plastic to the point that the plastic is melting on your bit.

And Drill in a Ventlated Room.

[Mod Man]

Hey, if you are going to be machining plastic with any regularity wear eye and breathing pro...i.e. shop safety glasses and a regulator for fumes... Be safe, nerf another day. Mod

[CaptainSlug]

Dust masks will not protect you from the fumes leeching off of burning plastic. Such fumes are mildly hazardous to your health.
You need to
1. Slow down
2. Not use abrasive cutting bits
3. Use a cutting tool with actual teeth on it

http://nerfhaven.com...?showtopic=8007

If all you have is a dremel, then you need to buy high-speed cutting bits.

I could not find the exact type of plastic used in Nerf blasters

ABS

So, that smell is actually Harmful? Shit....HOW harmful?

Yes. Prolonged exposure to plastic fumes is not advisable. Toxicity depends on the quantity of fume production, ventilation of the area, and the type of plastic you are cutting. You will only get fumes if you are using the wrong type of tool for the task you are trying to perform.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 30 January 2009 - 12:53 PM.

[Nerf Bros]

As has been said before, the most important tip for dremeling, nerf wars, and the rest of life: always where protection!