[Raymond]

Hello all,
           I have just been trying for the past few days to assemble some parts that have been machined from Rigid pvc [upvc]  I have tried various
   Solvents such as Dichloromethane Acetone and Toluene but so far have had no success, The commercially available Solvents are far to thick to use
   as I must have very clean joints because the assembly will be used as a master pattern hence the need for a liquid Solvent that will flow by capilliary
   action. I have just ordered the following to try Cyclohexane, Tetrachloroethane and Methyl ethyl ketone, But I do not want to buy chemicals on a
   purely hit and miss basis. So any help from the industrial chemists out there would be greatly appreaciated.
                                                                     Best wishes to all,
                                                                        Raymond.

[marquis]

Try cyclohexanone and tetrahydrofuran (THF). 

[Raymond]

Marquis,
            Many thanks for your reply I shall try the 2 chemicals you mentioned after I have tried the 3 that I have ordered

[Raymond]

I am thinking of ordering The Tetrahydrofuran but, I am a little concerned as to it's stability,as I believe it can form reactive peroxides.
 Not being a chemist would the normal common sense rules be OK ie, no smoking no naked lights and store in a cool dark place? or would
 I need some extra measures?
                                                          Regards,
                                                   Raymond.           

[marquis]

Safety is a concern with THF.  Peroxide can form.  Normally, stabilizers are added by the manufacturer to limit peroxides.  One chromatography trick is to put a copper wire in the THF to inhibit peroxide formation.  But for specifics, you need to contact the THF manufacturer.

Good luck.

 

[marquis]

In addition to peroxide issues, THF is also flammable and volatile.  It was always kept in a hood to minimize vapors.  Unless you have a hood present, don't work with THF.

[Raymond]

Marquis,
              Many thanks for all your help  I think that I will give the Tetrahydrofuran a miss. It appears to be a little to dangerous for my
           comfort. I can still try the Cyclohexanone and someothers if I have to.
                                                                  Best Wishes.
                                                                Raymond.