Hi all, the other day I was trying to think of a good way to bond parts modifications without having the fragility of superglue or the strain of milliput, but I remembered that acetone dissolves/melts plastics and I decided to try it.

After a few days of clamping, it came out looking fairly nice. Because of the effect that acetone has on ABS, it melted and essentially bonded both parts and became a whole. It's very very strong and don't think the additions will snap off any time soon. I also did use pinning so that added a bit of durability.




The scope is a little bit distorted because the clamp was tight.

Also, do NOT use acetone for modification unless you're under adult supervision or someone who knows how to handle dangerous chemicals.

Thanks,
-Aaron

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Very nice! Well done Jawklin!

Acetone is a very good choice as a bonding agent for ABS as it will instantly begin to dissolve/melt the polymer, then when the acetone evaporates the ABS re-solidifies. Proper clamping is vital for strength as is immersion time so if anyone tries this I'd recommend practicing on something you don't mind loosing.
One drawback to acetone that I've run into is that it tends to oxidize sometimes, leaving a whitish haze when dried... to remedy this I found to dip a small paintbrush or Q-tip into the acetone then wet the oxidized spots and wallah! no more ugly haze and you're left with a high gloss finish.

Acetone should only be used in a WELL ventilated area!

Your mom's fingernail polish remover is acetone with perfumes and coloring added to it. probably best not take it though :)