I am making some N scale fuel storage tanks for my layout. I am using PVC couplings and also cutting some pipe. Some of those edges are sharp and require some care in handling. I am not using the approved mastic for putting pieces together; just ACC the styrene pieces in place. Are there some cautions about working with PVC? Don't use a soldering iron on it? Use gloves? Don't get cut? Some of the shavings are pretty fine, too.
I have used PVC pipe before... I remember using a "cleaner" then a "glue". One was a purple color and one was blue (I think?) I used a hacksaw to cut the pieces... I don't remember the shavings being specifically sharp. Maybe someone else can provide better insight. Harold
Flash: Just wear gloves when you're cutting the piping. I would also wear protective glasses and a mask. Why would you need a soldering iron? Stay cool and run steam....
I use a tube cutter to cut PVC pipe up to 2"...no fuss, no mess, no tailings. Also, if all you are doing is building a model, you don't need glue. Just jam the piece of pipe into the fitting and it will not come loose under normal use. PVC fittings are cast with a slight cone shape as you go deeper into the fitting, so the pipe will jam tight enough with a light hammer blow. If you don't like what you have made, without glue you can pop out the pipe from inside the fitting with a light hammer blow and a nail set (or similar metal pin).
Just thinking about releasing bad fumes if you did touch it with a soldering iron. Like heating ACC glue releases bad fumes. I have some brass details on mine. Probably better not solder to them. HYtec: Good idea on the pipe cutter. Square cut and no tailings.
I'll answer the alst part about precautions that should be taken. Vinyl Chloride has now been proven to be the major cause of angiosarcoma, or cancer of the blod vessels. Even though it was discoverd over 100 years ago, it was inherently unstable up until (I think) the 1950s when some genius invented the Poly version of it... Poly Vinyl Chloride, or PVC. The rate of angiosarcoma is expected to explode in the next few years as more people who were exposed to large doses in various workplaces (car manufacturing etc) age and the sarcoma develops. At this stage it is extremely rare (30-60 cases per year), but for those who ARE diagnosed the condition is usually immediately fatal. Thats directly off cancerweb.com. My 34 year old brother in law was diagnosed with it 3 days ago. If you arent using a helliva lot of it, dont worry too much. Cutting a few (couple hundred?) pipes isnt going to get ya. Its only those exposed to it in concentrated (ie, pressure spray cans) for extended periods who are candidates to POSSIBLY get the condition. I;d still avoid getting it in my blood stream or lungs at all costs.....just in case
Flash, this is from the MSDS for PVC pipe: when burned PVC will generate hydrogen chloride, phosgene, benzene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, and other gases Ths is why many building codes prohibit its use. Nelson
