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PVC Solvent Welding

Gluing your PVC is one of the most important steps when making a launcher.  To make a safe and strong Solvent Weld (glued joint), follow this process:

PVC solvent welding, or gluing PVC pipes together is a fairly easy process.  Ensure that the following steps are completed for the strongest possible solvent weld.

1.  If the pipe and fitting to be glued together are dirty, you should wipe the excess dirt off with a clean cloth, then clean the pieces with a PVC cleaner.  To use the cleaner simply wipe it on the pipe and on the inside of the fitting with the supplied dauber.  Next wipe the area dry with a clean cloth.  This process can be done to clean PVC also, it is a good idea to clean all joints before gluing, so as to be sure they are clean.

2.  Next you are ready for primer.  Primer is essential to a good solvent weld.  Some people say that it isn't necessary, and for usual applications, such as plumbing, it may not be a crucial.  You are making a device that harnesses much power, and more pressure than standard applications.  Do not skip this step, it is curtail.  Use the supplied dauber to wipe the primer evenly on the pipe and on the inside of the fitting.  Once primer has been applied, do not fully allow the primer/softened PVC to dry.  Gluing should take place within a minute or so.

3.  To actually glue the piping, apply a liberal amount of glue to the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting.  Press the pipe into the fitting, giving a quarter turn twist while pushing it in.  This reduces the chance of air bubbles.  Hold the pipe and fitting in place for one minute to allow the bond to set.

4.  The pipe should not be pressurized of filled with liquid for 24 hours to allow the glue to cure.  If it is used before completely cured there is a very high probability for leaks to develop.