Has anyone found a product for heating plastic sprues or sheets? I used to use a candle when modeling in my youth but there should be a more controlled method for melting, bending and shaping plastic than that these days.

Other than a minuature butane torch the candle still rules. I use a candle for streatching sprue into antena.
For sheet styreen I use hot water for shaping.

These are the methods I use:
- using a candle start from a long distance and find the right one for the platsic you use
- put the plastic sheet (plasticard or acetate) into boiling hot water give it a few seconds and bend
- use an hair dryer instead of the candle
Ciao

I have used a candle for years and I still can't get it right!

I have a theory that the heat source is not the important thing, its recognising when the sprue is the right temperature. I can get a sprue to stretch but it is a bit hit and miss and a lot of my attempts end in 'lumpy' or broken pieces.

The descriptions of how to do it always sound so easy.

I do find that the candle flame has a calming effect on my composure though.

Regards Dave

IMHO, there is only one product to stretch sprue, the Stretcher, Sprue, Mk1A and Mk1B produced by the BIC corporation of Bridgeport CT. The difference between the two simply the size.
Seriously, as far as sprue goes, once you learn the right point on a given plastic type (not all plastic is created equal), you should be able to regulate the thickness by the speed at which you pul it out. A slow pull results in a relatively thick sprue while a faster pull gives you a hair thin strand. With practice, you should be able to even get a consistent taper.
The best thing about this is the raw material is free.

I agree with Al - each plastic has its own temperature limit. I believe it varies from kit to kit within manufaturer also. As far as technique goes I usually get as many straight sprue sections as I can from a given kit and anticipate stretching every one of them. I slowly rotate the sprue over the flame (no this isn't the cooking channel) until I see the color change and a wet appearance start. Then I wiggle the two ends to get a better feel for how loose the middle is.
Depending on thickness I adjust my pull speed as Al mentioned. Slow = thick, fast = thin.
For one antena I usually pull about 5 pieces until I get the right length and thickness.

I agree with Al - each plastic has its own temperature limit. I believe it varies from kit to kit within manufaturer also. As far as technique goes I usually get as many straight sprue sections as I can from a given kit and anticipate stretching every one of them. I slowly rotate the sprue over the flame (no this isn't the cooking channel) until I see the color change and a wet appearance start. Then I wiggle the two ends to get a better feel for how loose the middle is.
Depending on thickness I adjust my pull speed as Al mentioned. Slow = thick, fast = thin.
For one antena I usually pull about 5 pieces until I get the right length and thickness.

i remember a method using an electric bulb.if i can find the article i will send it here.