Yesterday I cut up an HDPE #2 bottle and then attempted to melt it down on my hotplate. My results were not good in that the plastic "melted" and turned clear but never melted sufficiently to be poured into a mold. It also burned on the edges. Perhaps my heat was too high. Fortunately my wife is away so the smell didn't bother her.
My Plan-B is to order some today.
Cheers,
David