Plastic welding, custom RV tanks, part 1 of 2

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/38rXVqQ
Welding rod
amzn.to/3i8rhfW
#plasticwelding
#rvtanks
#lacroixcruiser

[@robertccole13]

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]

Glad I could help!

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Several of these skills will come in handy for kayak repair!

[@LacroixCruiser]

True

[@BEAdventurePartners]

Great job @Lacroix Cruiser! Erin and I were laughing because we just installed two 30-Gallon HDPE barrels to upcycle them as our gray water tanks. What's funny is that we'll have to cut them in half if we ever want to remove them from the underbody storage. Then @Trevor Robinson passed us this video showing how to fab our own to fit the space in the future. Thanks for the walkthrough! We'll check out Part 2 also! Happy New Year to y'all! - Brian + Erin

[@LacroixCruiser]

Happy new year’s to you both. Making great progress on your bus despite our Canadian climate. Thanks for watching, and we enjoy your channel as well.

[@skydivedickson]

It's funny finding you two here. I'm thinking of building my own tanks for my skoolie. I was thinking of stainless but wow, that's expensive.

[@johnc7144]

very Informative vedio. I have been considering Making a pontoon boat based on structurally welding hdpe barrels end to end. This would allow the flotation element to provide structural rigidity. The process looks very doable without excessive tooling. Retired in Thailand there are limited materials and systems to work with. Thanks for the motivation.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Have fun with your boat!

[@augustincloutier508]

Wow this video just triggered soooo many great ideas in my head, as I am in the process of renovating an Alcan 290 houseboat

[@LacroixCruiser]

Excellent!

[@augustincloutier508]

@@LacroixCruiser où avez vous pris les panneaux de hdpe?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Industries FM a Granby

[@augustincloutier508]

@@LacroixCruiser Thanks a lot !! Got prices from them. In terms of thickness, I know HDPE is much more flex than plywood. Would you install 1/4'' hdpe on a house-boat roof on which people will walk knowing that it's supported by thrusts every 12 inches? or would you go with 1/2' or even 3/4''. Weigh is also a concern in those thicknesses

[@LacroixCruiser]

I would go a minimum of 1/2 inch, and maybe plywood on top. HDPE isn’t very UV stable.

[@THirstyCamel1023]

Thanks first time I have seen someone actually use hot air plastic welder

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for watching.

[@user-ev5gr2bg4f]

Дружище огромное СПАСИБО, за информацию. Здоровенный лайк и подписка👍👍👍👍👍

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@TrevorStJean-kv6ce]

Great Job, Ivan. I was planning on making mine with marine grade plywood and a fibreglass lining but this looks like a new skill I need to learn. You and Sylvie are upping my game!

[@LacroixCruiser]

There are many tanks made the way you were planning with great success. The goal Opti-Seal just to keep the inside wet and the outside dry.

[@TrevorStJean-kv6ce]

@@LacroixCruiser Thanks for the tip!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Trevor St. Jean happy to assist

[@robcoastalga8279]

That is really cool. Thanks for the how-to that I didn't know I needed!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for commenting.

[@daxross2930]

Love this. I’ve been welding and fabricating plastics for over 24 years. For wet process systems. Love it.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@charliebravo5562]

Thanks guys. Thanks a lot. 👍🏾

[@LacroixCruiser]

Our pleasure

[@DWESENTERPRISE]

Lifesaver!! I bought a tank for my carpet cleaning van. I measured height and width thinking nothing of it. The darn thing is too long! I bought a plastic welder about 7 years ago for a project. I thought about welding it but was worried about the pressure from all the water. I'll give it a try! Thanks!!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Make sure it’s well supported.

[@briandavis9975]

Very nice Ivan its looks easier than I thought but you make everything look easy thanks for sharing. You learn something everyday with Ivan.

[@LacroixCruiser]

It’s easy, only requires a little patience.

[@diegodelgado9764]

Beautiful knipex

[@fantasyteamshorts6112]

Such a useful tool!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Agreed

[@lexbroken8101]

Very nice!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@75blackviking]

Really enjoyed your video. I do all kinds of specialty fabrication in the medical device industry, and watching you work was informative and entertaining.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@kenantastemur7736]

Very very nice.good working ppline..thank you..

[@LacroixCruiser]

Glad you like it

[@BackyardBitcoin]

Thanks, this video was very helpful

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@rosymaam68]

Like you know, i worked with your son in the plastic industry. When we need to prep the plastic surface, we first use a plumers propane torch and then go ever it with acetone. I nerver used one of these tool but i'd like to give it a try. It's hard to beleive that a 1/4" sheet of plastic can resist the pressure of 1400 pounds of water. Good job.

[@LacroixCruiser]

We will be supporting everything in a metal frame. I wouldn’t trust only the plastic either.

[@ndufcat]

TAMCO also recommends supporting the sides with metal or plywood, so it's not just for DIY.

[@chrismurphy783]

Great job sir! You now have a high quality product that you can count on because you did it yourself.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@projet2907]

Impressionnnant !! Great workmanship :-0)

[@LacroixCruiser]

Merci

[@Gram53-kw5fr]

Thanks!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you!

[@Rajesh-yv5lm]

Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Welcome

[@e2U]

B&W captures the moment.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Sometimes it’s best

[@dnsseguin]

Cool le vidéo, cela m'a donné des truc que je vais essayé cette semaine :)

[@LacroixCruiser]

Merci

[@SketchybrainD]

Interesting video, i wonder how they stop with the auto feeding kind. This is new to me. I might have to look into this some more

[@LacroixCruiser]

Never used one

[@kierenmiller4679]

Currently a trainee plastic fabricator, I'm struggling my self with the flow of using the gun and just started getting used to the different temperatures for different plastics! Hopefully I'll get there thanks for the extra tips in this video as all hot air welders do it differently.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you for commenting

[@antonwinter630]

thanks for sharing how you did this

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you, education is our goal.

[@axolotl7701]

Nice work. Those of you that want healthy lungs Wear Safety Gear + VOC Mask! Plastic fumes are bad news.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, good idea

[@moonolyth]

Adding to my DIY library!!! What blade are you using to cut I've always had melting issues on a band saw and table saw which made it impossible to get a clean cuts. Always had to shave clean. Great material wished Id known this long ago!! That's a great welder too! Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you, we used a plastic specific blade .

[@DellAnderson]

@Moonolyth Tekton I had the same problem cutting plastic with a jigsaw. Found it helped a lot to turn the speed down to lowest setting, otherwise the cut edges just welded themselves back together!

[@TheComingGlory]

It appears that the recommendation for baffles is one every 24-30", so 3 on an 80" tank. The extra baffles will also add to the rigidity of the tank. I would also have a few 1-2" holes spread around each baffle.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Once completed it will have multiple baffles, with the main goal being extra rigidity .

[@heartobefelt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2euppSnititrMU baffle balls can improve vehicle safety if you have big tanks like his

[@heartobefelt]

@@LacroixCruiser have you tried bending the bottom corners from a full sheet so there is less welding ? I have seen it done with acrylic in big pizza ovens but wondered if it can be done with a heat gun or two on HDPE ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, but in our case the size of the tank prohibited that from being a viable alternative.

[@rahulvishwakarma7257]

Mst

[@kevinwelsh7490]

I am amazed! thank you can I weld a butt joint making two 4'x8'x.125" sheets into a 16 ft long sheet?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes.

[@allglad]

6:19 actually prepared for welding.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Correct

[@kevincisco9411]

Thanks, this is a great video! I have a question i hope you or someone can help me with. I have an hdpe (pelican type) container. I want to cut a section out and then platic weld it together. Is that possible using this same method?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes you can!

[@dyonkers1]

great video im trying this and not having great luck...im getting smoke/ fumes coming off when heating...how can you tell if you are at the right temp? Did you have the HDPE emitting fumes/smoke?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Your temperature is probably too high

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

This was the best video i found so far to my needs ! Question: is this the same set up i need for trying to weld 2 piece of blue , white , or black plastic 55 gallon drum layer together so i can go buy this plastic welder setup ? Im trying to fabricate my own kayak ? Greatly appreciate your input back !

[@LacroixCruiser]

As long as it’s HDPE, yes

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

@@LacroixCruiser THANK YOU

[@Paul-sc4sn]

I live in Belgium. On Amazon I can't order the welding gun. I can order it on ebay but there the feeder for the filament is not included. Where can I order the feeder? Nice job an beautifull explaned , thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

The tips were also purchased on Amazon. Your plastic supplier should also be able to supply them.

[@richardmondor1360]

Hi, i was wondering why you did not "dowel press" or "round knob press" your inner corner welds to seat all three weld beads.....they say it prevents corner leaks?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Because I never heard of the technique until after our tanks were done.

[@baker4542]

Do you know what brands make those "professional" welding machine? Im looking for one that self feeds.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Unfortunately not

[@tititata1]

Nice tutorial. What material thickness did you use? Can PP replace HDPE for this purpose?

[@LacroixCruiser]

We used 1/4 inch but would recommend 3/8

[@glennman9890]

Hey Yvan, When I click on your link for the HDPE rod, the Amazon rod appears to be flat, but you state that yours is round. I cannot seem to find any round rod, except for what appears to be small short ones, maybe 12" or so. Is this the correct link? Thanks.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Unfortunately the linked product has changed . Find a local plastic supplier, they should have it on hand.

[@LacroixCruiser]

My pleasure

[@curtisclark13]

Are there any welding sticks that melt white? Or do they all melt clear? Do you ever use the triangular sticks?

[@LacroixCruiser]

I couldn’t get triangular welding rod locally.

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

Im working with plastic 55 gallon blue hdpe drum . Where do i get the temperature specs for that drum to get the right temperature rod ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

From google

[@ephg5847]

Hi there - I’m just wondering now after two years your tanks have held up? Seriously considering building my own tanks like yours

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes You can do it

[@Immanuel53572]

The welding tips in your link doesn't look like it has the same tacking tip your using. Should I look for a tacking tip like you are using?

[@LacroixCruiser]

The ones in the link are fine

[@danielvanmourik5247]

How many galon is the tank am from the netherlands and we have liters. Looks so beuatiful how You make that to your fan

[@LacroixCruiser]

This tank is 125 gallons (473l) . Thanks for watching.

[@brucefay5126]

3.78541 L per 1 U.S. Gallon.

[@raelzieve4823]

Great Video. Thank you!! Please advise what brand welding gun do you recommend? One with the hose! Approximately how much should one pay for a decent model? Many thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

I purchased it from Amazon. The hose makes it so much easier to handle and use.

[@raelzieve4823]

@@LacroixCruiser Can you advise the brand name and model you bought please

[@LacroixCruiser]

The link is in the description of the video.

[@ArsenioROro]

very good work. Could you tell me where to buy the plastic sheets and what type of plastic it is. greetings O

[@LacroixCruiser]

It’s HDPE, do a local google search with the key words HDPE Sheets, and your city.

[@rla1000]

Interesting, thanks for putting up the video. I have a question - how do you know what diameter HDPE rod to use for a given thickness of HDPE sheets? Is this just trial and error or are there actual standards or norms to follow, such as, use 1/8 in. rod to join 1/8 in. thick HDPE? I got curious about this and wasn't able to find any guidelines, e.g., a table or something. Thanks.

[@LacroixCruiser]

There are not many choices

[@rla1000]

@@LacroixCruiser I have no idea what that means. If it refers to thickness of HDPE sheets, there are many choices. The range is huge - 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch and on and on. Same for HDPE rods, there are many choices, the range is huge.

[@LacroixCruiser]

@@rla1000 not many choices in rods from my supplier

[@jamesmccaffrey3126]

Can you tell me what welder you are using and the tip kit

[@LacroixCruiser]

Links are in video description

[@brucefay5126]

On your center baffle, it looks like you do not have a hole at both lower corners? Having holes in both locations would ensure that water can get from one side to the other regardless of being off-level to either side.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes it has holes on both lower corners

[@brucefay5126]

Thanks. Was the tank laying on it’s side while you welded it? If so, I saw the two holes, but they looked like upper and lower, rather than left and right.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes I was welding it on it’s side.

[@DellAnderson]

@@LacroixCruiser I hope this is a fresh water tank, not black! ;-)

[@LacroixCruiser]

Dell Anderson yes, the black tank baffles allow for more movement.

[@mikeb2747]

Who is a good supplier for 1.5" and 1/2" female NPT fittings typically used in RV fresh water tanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

This is where we got ours. www.icondirect.ca/search.php

[@mikeb2747]

@@LacroixCruiser Thank you...Both for the informative video and the website info. It was so easy to follow your clearly explained instructions.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you.

[@ndufcat]

This is great! Where are you loacted?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Granby Quebec

[@skydivedickson]

Wow! A Quebecor. How much for you to make two tanks for me? I'm in Mirabel and can't find the size tank i need.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Call me at 45 zero 77five O5O8

[@leblancexplores]

How are the tanks holding up?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Perfectly.

[@erikbrush]

Where did you get the plastic deburring tool?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@mngthearthheart8163]

Where do I order the welder with the feeder?

[@LacroixCruiser]

We got it from Amazon, the links are in the video description.

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

I saw you said $300 for cost, my question is cost versus purchase is there a large enough price difference to make it worthwhile doing? It does seem labour intensive.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, but having a custom tank made to fit the space exactly wouldn’t be cheap.

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

@@LacroixCruiser quite true.

[@everydetailcardetailing]

What, arent you the guy from DIY Detail ?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes

[@fishingbuddy1964]

Hi can you tell me the make and model numbers of the gun u are using please.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Unfortunately not available any more

[@davidmiller2238]

I'm working to build an HDPE skiff (12' boat). I purchased the sheets but am now wondering how to weld and reinforce where the sheets join, such as the bottom to the sides. You say you use metal framing. Boats usually use ribs. And I was thinking of melt-embedding stainless steel mesh in the critical joints. Any ideas on the strength of welds question?

[@LacroixCruiser]

The welds are quite strong, we used the metal frame to prevent the tanks from bowing mostly. The SS mesh is a good idea.

[@speedybeak]

Where did you buy this sheet of plastic

[@LacroixCruiser]

From a local wholesale supplier.

[@brettwalters1985]

What is the thickness of the HDPE sheeting?

[@LacroixCruiser]

1/4 inch

[@redsquirrelftw]

Where would one buy sheets like that?

[@LacroixCruiser]

We bought them from a local plastic wholesale company.

[@uhmgawa6533]

@0:27 "we've put a plastic cutting blade on the tablesaw" also known as "a blade".

[@LacroixCruiser]

It’s a special blade for plastic

[@ninjaturtle1855]

Where can i buy this type of plastic welder? Thanks

[@LacroixCruiser]

Amazon

[@kyletew4]

Do you think 1/4' HDPE would work?

[@LacroixCruiser]

If we’ll supported, yes, but 3/8 is better

[@lionsdejudah]

HDPE is pretty expensive... how much did the materials cost to build this tank?

[@LacroixCruiser]

About $300

[@arulrajkamaraj7334]

Plastic tank good for Diesel storage

[@LacroixCruiser]

I haven’t investigated that.

[@karlschenning8551]

What brand is the welder?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Here is a link for the welder

[@LacroixCruiser]

amzn.to/3mwNqrt

[@allglad]

How to find professionals that can make me one?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Possibly search plastic fabrication or welding on Google

[@David-S-]

No práctico, pero efectivo.

[@MudMotorsMax]

The link for the extra tips doesn’t work anymore 😭 I need a tack tip

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks for watching, here’s another link for the tips amzn.to/38rXVqQ

[@MudMotorsMax]

@@LacroixCruiser Thank you for the link so do you think that this plastic welder is heavy duty enough for me to fabricate HDPE boats out of plastic drums I mean do you think that the welds are thick enough to fuse these barrels together?

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes, but you will need to possibly do multiple passes.

[@MudMotorsMax]

@@LacroixCruiser excellent I don’t have a problem with that I just don’t wanna have to buy a $1400 extrusion Welder

[@LacroixCruiser]

Do some practice welds and you’ll be fine.,

[@mrgcav]

Why not just heat bend the plastic ? Bends are leak proof, welds are not

[@LacroixCruiser]

We are not equipped for that

[@afsarshaikhs3381]

Rod name

[@LacroixCruiser]

HDPE 5mm welding rod.

[@s.s.polymers]

I'm supplying plastic wilding rods

[@LacroixCruiser]

Good

[@ashleymullin3785]

Mistake I make when using this tool is far too much pressure or somtimes its skips and bounces but that could be down to being a left hander 🤣

[@LacroixCruiser]

I used both left and right hands, when you find the sweet spot of temperature , pressure and speed, it becomes easier.

[@heartobefelt]

i intend doing a few test pieces and then breaking them apart to check how good the fusion and penetration is

[@LacroixCruiser]

@@heartobefelt good idea

[@jayoheyo9750]

i checked this gun out but i didnt see good reviews.....

[@LacroixCruiser]

It worked well for us

[@davidhefner5668]

I live 5 minutes from U.S. PLASTICS.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Getting materials shouldn’t be a problem then.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

I still dont get it. I hope those arent fuel tanks, cuz those joints are weak.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Water tanks, and they are housed in a steel frame.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

@@LacroixCruiser ah, so they are not structural. too bad, cuz Id like to make some stuff out of plastic but as far as I can tell only PVC is gluable, and sheets of it are very expensive.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Exactly

[@JeepinBoon]

I feel the backache from here...

[@LacroixCruiser]

It could have been worse

[@JeepinBoon]

@@LacroixCruiser Mine was. I'm using a Matco APW100 airless at 1/8 rod. Crazy slow. Just ordered a used Seelye 63. I can't justify spending big bucks for a good gun when I do 3-4 agri-chem or fuel tank repairs a year. But man, those hours of bending over like that. I'd have to hold my breath to stand up.

[@kenitrameamore]

je suis soudeur plastique air chaud

[@LacroixCruiser]

Félicitations

[@davidhefner5668]

I have no problems with my wifi speed. Its instant.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Lucky!

[@sobujgazi1111]

I know this work,,Job available for me.

[@LacroixCruiser]

Unfortunately not

[@pradeeppradeepkumarvishwak8749]

Aapke pass hi kam ho to boliye bhai ji main building maarta hun

[@coolio374]

Are you seriously using a plastic welder that costs less than $100.00 to do this project?????

[@LacroixCruiser]

Yes

[@garyabc]

Works great! Wonder if I can find a cheaper one?😄

[@daxross2930]

Harbor freight with blower inside works great. Wegener tips fit it

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thank you

[@scottkrienke-turvey1306]

Disappointing that this video is in 2 parts without being told in the title...

[@LacroixCruiser]

Thanks for catching that, I uploaded the wrong cover picture, it’s corrected now.

[@laurenceconnelly9694]

Loads of Errors 🙄

[@LacroixCruiser]

Please explain

[@laurenceconnelly9694]

@@LacroixCruiser Not a Tacking nozzle. that was a wide slot nozzle.