MadModder
The Breakroom => The Water Cooler => Topic started by: awemawson on June 09, 2020, 03:40:47 PM
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I find myself with a large(ish) quantity of Toluene - 25 litres to be precise what can I use it for ?
I know it's a constituent in some paints and paint thinners but what else is it useful for - I believe it's not the best thing to be breathing in.
NO I DON'T want to make Tri-Nitro-Toluene before anyone suggests it :bugeye:
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Thinners, degreasing.
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It's fantastic for degreasing - but don't use it in one of those Machine Mart part washers, because it WILL dissolve the pump (don't ask me how I know this! Also don't ask me why I have a "double decker" parts washer!)
I believe it's carcinogenic, which is not good.
Empty Toluene containers are epic if you set fire to the residual vapours (obvs. out doors, and from a distance)...
Can be electrolysed to make bitter almond oil, which is a precursor to certain recreational "medications".... not to be advised! It smells amazing though, and apparently has some medicinal uses which aren't related to a certain "Breaking Bad" chemical!
I'd advise keeping it in a metal drum, if you can, it quite likes to eat plastic...
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Fuel system cleaner and octane-booster. When I was doing landspeed racing three of the guys decided to get s drum of it and create home-brew high octane fuel. All three melted their engines on the first run, and they had to re-name it 'too lean'.
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I use it for cleanup on fabric and latex surfaces before gluing with waterproof contact adhesive when I repair my diving drysuits. I bought 5L of it and must have used a whole 200ml in the last 10 years!