"Roy Lewallen" wrote in message
treetonline...
JB wrote:

I seem to recall reading that Styrene had the best dielectric properties
of
the plastics.

I did some similar experiments building 1/4 wave spikes in a BNC
connector
for 2m HTs and found that glues would heat up from the RF. Clear epoxy
worked best and JB weld, Pipe dope, Silicone sealers and Hot glue were
poor
performers. I still have some fiberglass tape that I use for torroids.

Of common plastics, Teflon, polyethylene, styrene, and polypropylene
have the lowest RF loss. However, others can be perfectly adequate for
some applications.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Actually made good working ladder line from bell wire from the Science dept.
and plastic spoons from the lunchroom for the school radio club station.
The ugliest, goofiest looking projects always seem to work the best.