Purging tape

[hotrodder]

Just wondering what everyone uses for taping up when purging. Masking tape is cheap but doesn't live long if you have to weld near it, going nuts with the tape helps but just leaves even more sticky residue. I've been using some aluminium tape which is a lot tougher but the residue is if anything, worse

I know that there are tapes specifically for this but they're horrifically expensive. I seem to recall reading about a 3m heat resistant tape (designed for electrical applications?) that works well- no residue even if cooked. After a quick google there appears to be a huge range of products that may work well, ranging from cheap enough for a punt to horrifically expensive

So what does everyone use?

 

[madkayaker]

what about self amalge tape that shouldn't leave a residue

 

[hotrodder]

Work in some situations but picture a butt weld with root gap... tape it up to keep the purge from escaping and remove as the weld progresses so it can't be overlapped and stuck to itself

 

[madkayaker]

aw i see what about standard sparkey tape?

 

[hotrodder]

Standard sparkey tape? If that's PVC tape then no, shrivels up and melts

 

[Wallace]

Is it for a one off job or do you need a regular supply?

Mike

 

[zardoz]

I use masking tape, if its burned after tacking then re apply it.

 

[hotrodder]

Semi regular supply, i don't do massive amounts of open root stainless etc but do a reasonable amount of welding that requires a purge.

 

[Wallace]

I have a small roll of tape that was either used on the jaws of a heat sealing packaging machine or in injection moulds, I don't remember which. I will test it's heat resistant abilities tomorrow.

Mike

 

[Mikey D]

i just use masking tape /aluminium foil , often i just 'mould' the foil over the end of the tube im welding or screw upinto a ball with the purge hose up the middle kinda thing
cheers mike

 

[zardoz]

Thats a good idea mikey, i will have to try that myself.

 

[Wallace]

The tape I have is not the stuff I remember using now, the adhesive is no good with heat.

Mike

 

[timbeardsley]

I use some large corks from a local homebrew/wine shop or if i need another size try small tin foil pie trays and fold them over the end of the tube and hold them on with a jubilee clip

Tim

 

[Shox Dr]

Powder coaters use a heat resistant tape, for taping up areas they don't want coating. Might be worth a punt

 

[hotrodder]

May well take a punt on that powder coaters tape (stumbled onto it by accident, link in my OP) or is there a heavier duty flavour you know about Shox Dr? The stuff i'd heard about is an aluminium foil tape, probably similar to what i use currently but with a different adhesive (supposedly residue free) as it's designed for high temp applications

Guys, lots of good tips for capping the tube ends (as well as those i tend to use those plastic tube caps or even a sheet of foam for weird shapes) but i'm talking about masking root gaps to prevent loss/contamination of purge

 

[Shox Dr]

Sorry, I haven't got any further info on it, it'll be another 2-3weeks before I see/speak to my powder coater, I'll try and remember to ask him.

 

[hotrodder]

Buried in aluminium work at the mo so i'm in no rush to get any. Appreciate it if you remember to find out if they're all much of a muchness with regards to residue etc or if a particular brand outperforms others

 

[simon718]

hotrodder, if i remember tomorrow i will ask my boss - he used to stock all forms of 3m abrasives and adhesives he's bound to have a suggestion. although as im sure you know, 3m stuff is anything but cheap

 

[Shox Dr]

I'll make a point of calling him tomorrow

 

[hotrodder]

Cheers guys! £15 for a 66m roll... not cheap compared to plain old masking tape but then it's not expensive either if lives up to claims. A bit extravegrant maybe but removing burnt tape residue is really boring and everything in the vicinity usually ends up sticky