Plastic welding, Custom RV Tanks, Part 2 of 2.

Here is part 1
• Plastic welding, custo...
Learn how to make flat sheets of food grade HDPE plastic into custom fit RV tanks. Plastic welding is a simple process that anyone can learn easily.
Here are the tools we used.
Plastic welding gun
amzn.to/3mwNqrt
Flat and speed welding tips
amzn.to/2GaOLU1
Welding rod
amzn.to/3i8rhfW
#plasticwelding
#rvtanks
#lacroixcruiser

[@nospamevereh]

It is so refreshing to have someone teach me a valuable skill without trying to sell me something every 5 minutes. Thank you so much for your time and effort in sharing your expertise.

[@LacroixCruiser]

You are so welcome!

[@BIOIV]

Thanks for your video, you two inspired me to build a 65gal water tank for my bus conversion.. just finished the tank and it turn out great!!

[@LacroixCruiser]

That is awesome!

[@alikeyhani9080]

Great job man!! very concise and clear. It could be consider as a full course of plastic welding.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@barefootaquatics]

A little trick I learned for checking the quality of the weld is to put a strong light on the outside of the weld (if possible), and look at the welds. The light will easily point out failure points in the weld seam.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you, good idea.

[@lzh3131]

First, this was a great instruction video. Appreciate that you tried to answer pertinent questions, not the info in the description. Many questions I had you already answered. Doing a totally upgrade & restoration on my sailboat, with many ideas, but when priced by local plastic product company, way out of budget. Thank you & you’re wife for taking the time to make such a comprehensive video. Best wishes & safe travels😊

[@LacroixCruiser]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperMtnbike]

Great demonstration video, rich with fine details, and great voice-over!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@rogerhill4427]

That was an absolutely brilliant educational movie. Every part had exceptional explanation. And credit to your wonderful Lady helper.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@hermanboyd3367]

Same method of welding PVC, cool!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, thanks

[@evankawula8555]

I really appreciate you making these videos. Im launch a company that has an anodizing component but wasn't able to find any hdpe tanks that fit our specifications. Plastic welded all the tanks myself based on these two video!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Wow, thank you.

[@CarlosAlbertoMoro]

Thanks for sharing your experiences !!!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@user-hc3tl9ud7i]

Been welding poly pro and pvc for years. Unfortunately I never knew of the pendulum method. Thanks. Don’t forget to leave the air on when you shut off the heat. Ask me how I know. lol.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@krw3679]

Great Video! Thanks for taking the time to show us your techniques.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for watching

[@okd_v]

awesome videos, thanks a ton- been toying with building custom fresh and grey water tanks for my truck camper shell. volume is certainly a lot less which makes my project quite a bit easier, but all the principles are the same. having welded to fix old plastic car and lawn mower parts before but never needed it water tight, very helpful.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Glad to help

[@mustafaunuvar338]

Hi Mr. and Mrs. Cruiser. Thank you for the video. Great job. I have learned a lot.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamescannon7267]

I also like your car detailing videos with Pan the Organizer, you’re a multitalented individual

[@LacroixCruiser]

Oh thank you! You may also enjoy www.youtube.com/@diydetailofficial

[@boaterderek]

What a great and informative video. Thank you so much for taking your time to teach your secrets. I learned a lot watching this!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willdowding3810]

Absolutely brilliant, was wondering if I could make my own tanks, you were so clear and concise and easy to listen to, thanks so much. I may have a go. Haven’t looked to see your materials and tools yet, might be different here in Cornwall uk cheers

[@LacroixCruiser]

I’m sure you’ll be able to locate everything you need, have fun building your tanks!

[@iontheball1]

Thanks so much. Learn a lot watching the various angles and techniques.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@richardkatzman2066]

Thank you very much for the videos. I bought the welding gun so that I could do some plastic welding. Your videos was a great course in plastic welding. I’m sure you have many tricks up your sleeve that makes it even more easier. I‘m subscribing to your channel to learn more. Best regards, Richard

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@kenc4104]

Thanks for the tutorial on plastic welding!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks for your comment !

[@kenc4104]

@@LacroixCruiser The unit you use is 1080W, the majority of the all-in-one units are 1600W, do you have a feel for if your unit would be capable of welding PA66 nylon which melts at a higher temperature than HDPE? I have a cracked PA66 intake manifold and your unit would be very convenient but is it powerful enough? Thanks!

[@MyGuyKirby]

What hidden talents you demonstrate! Going back to running a polisher is going be boring.

[@LacroixCruiser]

I’m keeping those skills up as well.

[@abbasalghurabi1216]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for watching

[@robertkee7534]

I want to repair a 2" hull split on my kayak. These tips will work.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes they should work great

[@kermitthefrog6363]

Thanks for the great video....now hop in that bus and get it down south and soak up some sun and warmth !!!....

[@LacroixCruiser]

Soon

[@vicmedina5602]

Thank you very much im doing a little

[@vicmedina5602]

Plastic wedding mystery so I really appreciate the information

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@danielbeaird6264]

When welding metal, the warping usually comes from the size of the weld...if this is the same for plastics, you might be able to minimize that by using a thinner filler material on inside corners and T-joints and go back to the thicker for outside corners... cheaper too

[@LacroixCruiser]

Good tip

[@thomaswinacott4785]

My ADD would not be good to do this , glad your doing that ! I want thing to be done faster !

[@LacroixCruiser]

Not exactly a quick project, but it was fun to learn a new skill.

[@1982MCI]

Then Amazon was created for guys just like yourself Thomas. It’s much quicker than doing it yourself, but your options are more limited

[@alexdubois6585]

Not sure, but an important point may be to have the support baffles in the dirrection of the cleaning access point?

[@AmericasFavoriteLawnBoy]

Awesome thx

[@DellAnderson]

Very nice videography and clear explanations. It looks like there is considerable overlap between welding plastic and welding metal.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, the theory is the same, as are the movements.

[@1982MCI]

Boy Dell, I’m finding you all over the place, I’m just a couple years late, lol 😂. I’m debating whether to go ahead and build my own versus ordering remade cause like Yvan did here, you can get exactly the best size tank for our buses specific application. I priced out material cost yesterday and it is significantly cheaper going this route over a commercial tank and you get a bigger tank at a better price. My only issue is I’m short on time now but seeing as how My bud isn’t going to be complete before I need to be in it anyways, what’s wrong with roughing it an extra couple weeks while I build my custom tanks, lol Take care Dell, see ya back on the other side brother!

[@DellAnderson]

@@1982MCI Do you mind sharing where you found the perfect size tank for our buses? That's one of the hard parts. I found one custom made for the MC-9 (even had a lower section for the tunnel) but it is only 50 gal. And it was $500 15 years ago. The problem with welding plastic is I'm nervous about leaks. Thanks for this post and reminder to watch because I'm going to do some tank mods with this exact same welder.

[@1982MCI]

@@DellAnderson that was sposed to say that with building a tank like why Yvan did, we can get the perfect size tank but if we order them online then we are just getting a standard tank. My phone has been screwing up bad this past week so my comments don’t necessarily say what my brain is thinking Dell. I dropped it 4 or 5 times too many and ever since the last drop, can’t even get online to order anything and I’m bout to stress out over it all. I’m contemplating on cutting down an old tank I had out here on my farm which was 3600 gallons and cut it down and reweld it to what I need for my MC9. The material in that tank is 5/8” thick so it would make a great tank. I’m not worried about leaks at all cause I’ve done much more critical pieces holding life threatening chemicals so a water or sewage tank will be nothing to worry about and whether I buy the material or use it from the big tank, it is going to come out cheaper and I can get the exact tank I want. They will be leak checked prior to install anyways and If there was a small leak, they are easy to repair and keep moving forward. Take care Dell and we’ll talk to you soon buddy! What state are you located in Dell?

[@scottkrienke-turvey1306]

Excellent! thanks for getting part 2 out so promptly... Out of curiosity, did your past comercially made tanks look to be the same strength as this one? I'm just trying to figure out how much stress this type of DYI gun's welds can take... do you think it would work well with 3/8" material or would all edges have to be chamfered to allow for deep enough penitration? Ty,

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for your question. The welds look the same as the tanks in our GMC that were made in the 1980’s. That said we are not relying on the welds for strength, only for leak protection. The tanks will be supported on all sides by a metal rack.

[@REDARROW-ez7dg]

0:54 people with severe OCD refer to it as CDO!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@carlosuter3341]

Good one thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for watching

[@nessiepesttom3425]

You mentioned allowing the welds to cool before cleaning the weld. Would you just grind/polish the weld if it were to be visible. How do you make the weld aesthetically pleasing? Extremely helpful video and inspiring

[@LacroixCruiser]

You can sand the weld if needed.

[@grahamomeara3279]

you are an amazingly knowledgeable guy , is there nothing you can't do? thanks for your entertaining and information packed videos. I too don't understand why you have not got thousands of viewers.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you. Feel free to share our channel.

[@robertccole13]

How are these tanks holding up? Where did you get your ldpe fittings from?Wow! Thank you, so much! I'm in the same boat as you were where you couldn't find anything but people doing small projects with Jack leg solutions. This is exactly the information I was looking for to build a couple custom tanks to fit between the floor joists of my cargo trailer! Thank you, so much!

[@LacroixCruiser]

3 years later still good. I would use 3/8 though ( wasn’t available at the time I built these). Fittings from Amazon

[@general5104]

Where do you get your filler rod. I have a welder. My idea is to trim off a little from the edge of what I'm fixing to weld and use THAT as my filler rod. It would be nice to have it on a roll. at least, I don't have to worry whether or not it's compatable.) I'm just gearing up to weld plastic garbage-can lids and their hinges, (where the automated trucks are so rough on them.) I saw a video where a fellow cut a screen door spring, longways and used the rings to LACE the plastic back together. he melted the plastic by shoving his heater into the curl and pushing it into the plastic. I had a friend that had an upholstery shop and he had come up with an ingenious idea. He put a curtain rod with wire rings. He secured his air hose to the rings and let them droop some and on to his air stapler, with a spring on the hang down part. This kept his lead in from getting in his way. He had an old dress frame base with an overhead bar to do the same thing when away from his table. Thanks for the great instruction. I WILL USE your procedures. Thanks. Bill, from Tn. 🇺🇸

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks Bill, the filler rod was from the same local supplier as the plastic sheeting.

[@bhammonds8570]

Thank you for the great videos. You very clearly described and demonstrated the techniques and tools. I am considering building an auxillary diesel tank for my sailboat and the space where I want to put it rests against the curved hull. I was wondering if you think the sheet of hdpe could be heated with a heat gun enough to mold the sheet to conform to the curvature of the hull?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, not a problem.

[@tonyjenkins7156]

This is a great set instructions and how to. I am thinking of building my next camper with this material. Fiberglass and aluminum have become too expensive.

[@LacroixCruiser]

It’s not very dimensionally stable nor UV stable. For our needs these tanks are held in a steel cage, and in a place where sun exposure is non existent.

[@tonyjenkins7156]

@@LacroixCruiser thanks for getting back to me. I've been looking at the UV stable version from IPoly. I weld up my frames from aluminum square tube. Good point about stability. I will have to test some methods to strengthen .

[@RoamtechVans]

Very helpful video. I purchased the same plastic welder you have. I was wondering what number setting did you set it at for hdpe? I think there might be a issue with mine. I have to turn it all the way up to 9-max to get it to melt the rods.

[@LacroixCruiser]

I forget, but I remember it was high

[@neilbohrs5990]

How did you test for leaks in the pool? I would think it's too heavy to lift up unless you didn't fill it all the way.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We filled it from the pool and emptied it into the pool.

[@MisterLongShot_Official]

What thickness sheet are you using? I may have missed if you mentioned in the videos, if so I apologize. I am ordering the gun and tools soon. As a Tig welder, the pendulum welding will probably be my preference.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We used 1/4”, but due to the pandemic it was all that was available. 3/8” would be better

[@JeffinTD]

Should a person notch the center baffle, to allow air to move back and forth? Was wondering if water sloshed toward the vented corner, if it could create vacuum in the other corner.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes they are notched

[@Rubi1492]

Hi Guys Hi. Thank you for doing these video's, it's been very informative and came a the perfect time. I was having a huge problem finding tanks that would fit my application but you have shown me that I can build my own. I am in the process of building a global expedition truck with the aim of travelling the world. I would like to to build custom fresh water tanks to fit much the same way you have done. What I would like to know is what thickness is the HDPE you used? Thanks Grant Van Dyk

[@LacroixCruiser]

We used 1/4 inch, but 3/8 or 1/2 would be better. 1/4 was all that we could find during the pandemic

[@paulsevcik8878]

Could you pre glue like you did to you're bulk head fitting ? Would that serv as a extra double bonding layer this was interesting good work also how thick was the sheets you used Thk.paul

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes that’s a possibility.

[@agentstaple1]

God dammit another tool I need to buy for my boat lol Still I bet I could make good money selling custom water tanks while I sail around :D

[@e2U]

I've got a project for you and I'll buy the tools and materials...it's to help kids. and I'm sure you can milk this into many more tools than 1..haha.

[@catherinesecula5287]

Great information, what sort of blade and speed you use to cut H DPE , I made mistakes sometime when I cut it melt the cut ..thank you , doing just small repair on kayaks

[@LacroixCruiser]

I use a plastic cutting blade on the table saw.

[@danielvanmourik5247]

I like that You build your onw tank. Thats the Way i like your video's

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@Ch1gg1ns1]

Great video series! Thanks, learned a ton. Maybe I missed it, but what was the thickness of plastics you were using? Also, where did you source your plastic? Somewhere local, or an online distributor? Thanks!

[@LacroixCruiser]

It was 1/4 inch, but ideally 3/8( it wasn’t available at the time). Plastic was from a local supplier.

[@daletroxel4649]

Very informative video but a couple questions. You didn't point out the temp setting on the welder and where you got the welder? I saw one on Amazon just like yours and wondered if it was the same one? I did order it but it was defective so waiting on replacement. Thanks for answering my questions and all the best!

[@LacroixCruiser]

We went with trial and error. Setting 9 is what worked for us

[@josephmitchell8283]

Is there a reason you dont do the pieces to support the top first so that they are there when you build the tank? or do the pieces slip around too much while welding everything together? I know nothing about this stuff and was just curious.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Never thought of doing it that way.

[@daletroxel4649]

Another question on the welder. I read you got welder at Amazon so I am certain it's the same one I bought. Just want to know if your welder works on all settings? Mine only heats on settings 7 thru 9? Both welders I bought work the same so trying to find out if they are defective. Thanks again

[@LacroixCruiser]

Never tried below 7

[@kevinwilson752]

hi - you have inspired me to attempt making myself a tank as is in a confined space -- the only thing where did you obtain your PE fittings - I cannot find anything like you have or anything similar at a reasonable price. thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Kevin, they can be found here www.icondirect.ca/spin-weld-fittings/

[@kerianhalcon3557]

You can also easily make your own that are stronger by taking blocks of scrap HDPE and welding them on to either the inside or outside, or both of the tank where you want the fittings and drill/tap them out

[@circusboy90210]

what thickness is the materials you're using for in the tank body itself? tyvm for making this wonderfully informative video.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We used 1/4”, but ideally use 3/8” or 1/2”. It was all that was available when we built these.

[@jakeb3025]

How well have the welds held up over the years? I’m looking at making a diesel tank for my van heater with this method and want to make sure it’s reliable.

[@LacroixCruiser]

3 years, no problems

[@willdowding3810]

Cheers my dears

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks for watching!

[@Onkel.Moetrik]

Hey What is the temperature of the air i the white spiral hose? At some point in time the hose was wrapped around your arm, and I gather it must be around 200+ Cel.?

[@LacroixCruiser]

The hose stays cool

[@dennisprah223]

Question, when welding with metal I tack one side on both ends, then the middle. the other side I place two welds, splitting the difference between welds on the other side. This keeps the side piece from warping. Can this be done with plastic welding ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Anytime you stop and start a weld, your inviting a leak.

[@billydcunningham7325]

Very helpful and well-done🙂 thanks Can this plastic be formed, or manipulated???!!!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes you can!

[@andrewvolkov2181]

cool video, thanks. what soldering iron are you using?

[@LacroixCruiser]

In the description

[@sylvestremario]

Great video. I bought a tank with no fittings installed. May I ask where you got your fittings ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon its the best place

[@KoiAquaponics]

If you had to step up to a more professional welder which would you pick? I'd like to buy one that lasts as long as possible.

[@LacroixCruiser]

I never investigated that.

[@jeremyhowell2332]

To save some welds, is it possible to heat and bend the sheet similar to a metal brake? Would it be weaker or stronger?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes you can

[@drjeffheyd]

Is there a supplier you recommend for the threaded fill and vent caps that you welded on?

[@LacroixCruiser]

www.icondirect.com/fittings-accessories/

[@drjeffheyd]

@@LacroixCruiser Thanks! By the way, your videos are some of the most useful that I've ever found. It's made a big difference in what I need to accomplish. Thank you so much for your efforts. VERY much appreciated to say the least.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Our pleasure, our goal is to educate, so messages like yours make us happy.

[@thomaswinacott4785]

You standing the tanks on ther side ? Like you had on table welding top in !

[@LacroixCruiser]

The tank on the table was on its side, they are 30 inches tall, 90 inches long, and 12 inches deep

[@ME-qq2dc]

Hi if appearance is an issue how do you recommend tidying up joints, in particular external right angle joints. Can you router HDPE with good results for example? Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes a router would be a good choice.

[@ME-qq2dc]

@@LacroixCruiser Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks for asking a question.

[@baker4542]

At 9:52 you mention a fitting, what are those called and where in the hell do you get them??? Been looking for a bit.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We got them from Amazon, they are calling spin welding fittings.

[@khadarshariff1237]

So awesome.! I have a ❓this welding gun and rods will suitable for recycled HDPE plastic.?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes

[@khadarshariff1237]

Thanks bro❤

[@84chevyguyid]

I assume the tank you showed in your videos is the fresh water tank, when you did the grey/black tank what did you do for baffles in it? Thanks!

[@LacroixCruiser]

We did the baffles in both for fresh water and black and grey tank

[@84chevyguyid]

@@LacroixCruiser Does the center baffle in the grey/black tank have bigger notches in the corners so it will drain out ok?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes thanks good

[@jaredourada]

What thickness of HDPE sheet have you found works best for these tanks?

[@LacroixCruiser]

5/16- 3/8 is best.

[@AquaTech225]

What’s the name of that welder? Definitely like the fan unit separate like that.

[@LacroixCruiser]

The Amazon link is in the description.

[@darleneyax5863]

Is there any issue with fumes from the HPDE welding?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Not in our building, it’s well ventilated.

[@kevinwelsh7490]

can I use my Wagner 300 low setting at 750 F ? thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

No idea.

[@wassawbound2926]

Where did you get the fitting that you welded on?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@jamesbillings9891]

Great video! does anyone know where to get the pipe connectors and fittings in Europe, not UK due to high import tax charges to Ireland

[@LacroixCruiser]

Search for spin weld fittings.

[@jamesbillings9891]

@@LacroixCruiser I have, just coming up with US and CA results

[@LacroixCruiser]

Check with an RV manufacturer, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

[@erikbrush]

Where did you get your plastic deburring tool?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@garysaville6619]

My welder looks like yours but I dont have the attachments, where can I get them?

[@LacroixCruiser]

I got them from Amazon

[@allglad]

Looking to get a tank in Hemit/Palm Springs area…made custom.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Google may be able to help

[@brucefay5126]

Starting at 9:50, I am unclear how the fitting you are gluing/welding on the side towards the top of tank will be a “vent” if it is connected to a similar fitting on the same side towards the bottom to make a sight gauge? The fresh water tank in my H3-40 has an actual vent on the top that is also an overflow. It has 1-1/4” pipe the goes down through the floor of the bay.

[@LacroixCruiser]

The fitting will be a T, one leg going into the tank, one going down, one going up

[@brucefay5126]

That will certainly work. Thanks for the explanation.

[@bobususan3925]

How do you repair the seam on the water tank??

[@LacroixCruiser]

Weld it.

[@markhood461]

Hi Guys, hope all is well with You. Just started a few trial welds, how much gap should there be for an open corner joint? Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

I don’t quite understand the question.

[@markhood461]

@@LacroixCruiser on a metal corner joint a gap is provided to allow a root pass, normally the size of the welding rod. In HDPE is the joint corner to corner, OR, is there a gap?

[@LacroixCruiser]

A gap 1/2 thé size of the rod worked for us

[@scottmckenzie7735]

What's the brand of your hot air plastic welder?

[@LacroixCruiser]

amzn.to/3mwNqrt

[@jksprecast2957]

Where did you purchase your welding gun and what was the cost?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon link in the video description.

[@user-zb2gp3uj2v]

How or where did you get your welder?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@JoeWalsh-oi1xu]

where did you purchase the welder

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@deckdriver]

Can you tell me what thickness of HDPE your sheets were and where did you buy them?

[@LacroixCruiser]

The sheets are 1/4 inch thick. We got them from a local plastic wholesaler.

[@ryanchristie5349]

@@LacroixCruiser just put an order in for 3 sheets of HDPE to build water tanks and a battery box for my stepvan conversion! Also ordered 1/4 inch sheets (105 dollars US for 1/4 inch 4 by 8 foot sheets, I’m on Long Island NY if anyone wants the company info). What diameter welding rod did you guys use? 1/8th seems very popular, can’t seem to find much 1/4 inch if it even exists. Thanks for the videos, I’m using them as guidelines for my build.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We used 3/16 rod.

[@ryanchristie5349]

@@LacroixCruiser 😍 thanks for the help! Hopefully We’ll see you down the road.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Our pleasure, and yes looking forward to meeting you and others on the road.

[@shorts_diaries]

from where I can get this gun ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@e2U]

Where did you get the material? Looked like a fun job, glad your wife helped... Seems like a good partner for sure.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We work as one. We got the plastic from a local supplier.

[@sparkythawelder]

Pendulum welding looks alot like Tig welding.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes

[@user-zj3nb9jc9d]

Any body tell me how much inprice

[@LacroixCruiser]

Price of?

[@e2U]

Hello, would you like to help me with a project with Plastic welding to help kids? Smaller project than the tank. Jeff

[@LacroixCruiser]

Help in what respect?

[@e2U]

@@LacroixCruiser I'm working on a flow-through vermi composter unit and maybe helping plastic welding a prototype or?

[@LacroixCruiser]

@@e2U cool, not sure how I could help

[@michaelharriman2794]

Do you only have to clamp why would you not set up the whole job and then go from one end to the other in 1 pass instead of stopping and setting up every time

[@LacroixCruiser]

The plastic moves considerably with heat