Blog by Joyal Taylor
Earlier I posted a You Tube video that Joyal posted about patching this yellow acrylic stem https://rebornpipes.com/2014/07/08/stem-patch-using-amber-super-glue-joyal-taylor-aka-holymolar/ It is part of an ongoing work in progress where Joyal is experimenting with different mixture to patch a bite through in an acrylic yellow stem. This is Part 2 of the ongoing experiment. Thanks Joyal for taking us with you in this experiment.
Since the amber superglue didn’t work well on this stem, I’m trying other things.
I tried mixing yellow and orange Fiebing’s Leather Dye with clear superglue, but the dye caused the glue to set instantly, even before I could mix it.
Next, I tried StewMac 2 part clear epoxy with Fiebing’s yellow and orange dyes, which mixed well.
Before photo of only one side of the stem, but I worked on both sides:
I used a round bit in my dremel to remove the previous amber superglue patch and discoloration. Also, I roughen-up the area in front of the bit to try to re-color that area.
I tried several combinations of yellow and orange dye until I got close to the color of the stem
Close up photo looks like it may work
After shaping the bit with needle files and sanding/micromesh the epoxy.
This didn’t work out so well, either. Not only the color isn’t good but, also, the epoxy feels soft and rough to my teeth and lips.
We learn from our mistakes, so I’m going to continue experimenting with this.
Next, I’m going to remove the epoxy and try patching a third time by mixing dye powders with clear superglue.
I would appreciate it if anyone has other ideas to try for this stem repair.
rebornpipes 
Joyal, though I haven’t used it on stems yet, I do have experience with dyeing epoxies. When I have done this I have used aniline dyes instead of leather dye but I think either would work. The big thing with dyeing epoxies is to pour the resin and add your dye to it, mixing well. Then you add enough hardener to equal the amount of resin AND dye, the mix to apply. Mixing resin and hardener then adding dye dilutes the hardener and you wind up with a soft set as you experienced.
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Pingback: Yellow Acrylic Stem Patch – Part 3 – by Joyal Taylor (aka holymolar) | rebornpipes
Hi Joyal, The epoxy should have hardened to a very hard finish. How long did you let the repair dry before you tested it? It usually takes about 72 hrs to get hard. Good luck with the completion of this. I will be watching for the solution.
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This is great, Joyal, luckily I don’t have any bitethroughs to contend with yet, but there are so many Hayim Pinhas and other old meers with that same stem it’s only a matter of time. The only thought I’ve had is this stuff, and I have no idea whether it would work or not. It’s apparently for plastic repairs, and polyester shouldn’t be an issue on a stem I’d think. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAMIYA-87097-Polyester-Sculpting-Putty-Yellow-40g-PLASTIC-MODEL-KIT-CRAFT-TOOLS-/280850875631
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Thanks, Fatticus
I ordered some of that putty and will give it a try.
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Joyal, thank you for sharing this project with us. I think you might be on the right track (mixing powder with super glue) I have a few old Pete’s with amber stems that need similar repairs, so I look forward to you future attempts.
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Pingback: Stem Patch Using Amber Super Glue, Part 1 – Joyal Taylor (aka holymolar) | rebornpipes