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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: czechwizard on September 23, 2011, 01:13:18 PM

Title: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 23, 2011, 01:13:18 PM
I've got this Walther's Diesel House and Roundhouse to try to build, or stick together. My one-million-dollar question is, can I use this Carpenter's Glue Grip Bond 2 All-Purpose White Glue, formulated for wood and craft use ? It's strong, transparent, washable, and paintable ! Is it all right for plastic stuff like above mentioned ? Can I safely use it without screwing up ? I can't find a different glue here, I'm scared of CA because it's an instant mess. Thanks.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Len on September 23, 2011, 04:46:10 PM
For Walthers plastic kits I use Faller "Expert" and "Super Expert" glues for styrene. Both work by softening the plastic, and essentially welding the joint together. The difference is in the amount of working time you get. The "Super Expert" being faster to set up is good for joints that are already clamped together, e.g., building corners, just run some up the inside of the joint and it will 'wick' in and set up quickly.

Tenax 7R is also good, but tends to evaporate very quickly if the bottle isn't kept capped. Plastruct Weldene, Bondene, and Plastic Weld are also good glues for plastic. Weldene is non-toxic, and for styrene only. Like most other plastic glues, Bondene and Weldene need to be used in a well ventilated area due to hazardous vapors. Bondene will glue styrene to styrene, and ABS to ABS, but not styrene to ABS. Plastic Weld bonds styrene, ABS, butrate, and acrylics to themselves and each other.

Carpenter glue isn't really intended for plastic kits.

Len
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: richg on September 23, 2011, 05:03:28 PM
I use a tiny model paint brush, size OO and dip it in the glue. I let the glue "wick" into the joint. Very easy to use too much. Some of these liquid glues come with a brush attached to the cap that can be quite large in comparison. Just take your time if you have not done this before.
I have used MEK for years since I use to work with it when wiring submarine periscopes many years ago.
Make sure you use a fan when working with solvents. Some make their own fume hood which can be used for spray painting. That can be another discussion if you ever want to build one.
You might also consider using thin disposable rubber gloves.

Rich
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 24, 2011, 01:18:32 AM
Today I found and bought Rhino Glue, how about this one, anyone ?
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: ebtbob on September 24, 2011, 09:22:42 AM
Good Morning All,

      From what I have heard about Rhino glue,  it is not the correct adhesive for your plastic models.   There is too much expansion as it dries.
      Testors makes a glue that comes in a "diamond" shaped bottle with a long metal applicator tube attached.   It is called Model Master.  I find it very easy to work with and does not require any type of brush etc to apply.   Each bottle comes with two fine wire reamers in case the tube clogs but I have only ever had to use the reamer once in over five years of use since the shape of the bottle has the tube elevated to allow remaining glue to drain back into the bottle.
       The other mentioned glues,  the Faller and Tenax,  I have tried and they are good glues,  BUT,  you need some decent ventilation due to the odors given off.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Bucksco on September 24, 2011, 10:26:17 AM
Basically what you need is plastic model cement. You should take a ride to your local hobby shop or train shop and ask for some Testors plastic cement. There are other brands out there like Plastruct, Tenax, etc.. but Testors is the good old stand by. You will have two choices - tube cement or liquid in a bottle. I prefer the liquid bottle type. You basically hold the parts together and use the brush in the cap to flow the liquid into the seam between the parts.

If there is no hobby or train shop in your area check for an A.C. Moore or Michaels craft store. They have some models in their toy area and usually have a Testors paint rack which will also have glue on it.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: richg on September 24, 2011, 04:04:04 PM
Quote from: czechwizard on September 24, 2011, 01:18:32 AM
Today I found and bought Rhino Glue, how about this one, anyone ?

I wonder if you read any of the replies before buying the Rhino stuff?

Rich
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 24, 2011, 09:04:15 PM
Quote from: richg on September 24, 2011, 04:04:04 PM
Quote from: czechwizard on September 24, 2011, 01:18:32 AM
Today I found and bought Rhino Glue, how about this one, anyone ?

I wonder if you read any of the replies before buying the Rhino stuff?

Rich

The replies came afterwards, lol, gotta order the Testors glue then from Philshobby Shop, my reliable LHS only a couple thousand miles away from my house down here in Nicaragua, at real World's End. Would you believe that they don't sell any trains or plastic kits over here, so no other glues like that ? Thank you for convincing feedback. Glad I didn't screw up with those bad glues, Walthers stuff cost quite a bit. 
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: ebtnut on September 26, 2011, 01:33:40 PM
There can be a long treatise on the various glues and adhesives that are used in modeling, whether it is trains, planes, automobiles or half-tracks.  For styrene plastic kits, you need Testor's or equivalent liquid solvent cements.  At one time Plastruct materials were made in ABS plastic, which required its own Plastruct cement. 

If you are joining dis-similar materals (like brass details to a plastic model) you can use ACC "super glue".  I prefer the joint-filling ACC, since it gives you a bit of lee-way on joint contact and setting time.  Some contact cements, like Walthers Goo, might also be used.  Be careful though because the solvents in these glues can etch some plastics. 

If you are building a wood kit, then use something like yellow "carpenter's glue".  White glue like Elmer'ts works too, but it takes longer to set, and works best if the joint is clamped until set. 
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: ebtbob on September 26, 2011, 07:29:26 PM
Good Evening All,

      When in doubt as to what adhesive to use....go to www.thistothat.com.
The site is still up,  I checked before typing this message.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Geared Steam on September 26, 2011, 08:07:11 PM
Quote from: richg on September 24, 2011, 04:04:04 PM
Quote from: czechwizard on September 24, 2011, 01:18:32 AM
Today I found and bought Rhino Glue, how about this one, anyone ?

I wonder if you read any of the replies before buying the Rhino stuff?

Rich

;)

U gotta love it eh Rich  ;D

Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 26, 2011, 09:30:08 PM
Quote from: ebtbob on September 26, 2011, 07:29:26 PM
Good Evening All,

      When in doubt as to what adhesive to use....go to www.thistothat.com.
The site is still up,  I checked before typing this message.

Aha, I noticed that they sell Epoxy here. Could I use it safely for the Walthers Diesel House and Roundhouse ? Thanks, guys, you're always helpful.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Doneldon on September 27, 2011, 12:25:42 AM
cz wiz-

The epoxy will probably hold it together if it doesn't attack the plastic (it probably won't). However, epoxy is a hassle to constantly mix, it has a short open time and it is pretty hard to use for fine work because it is so goopy. I wouldn't use it myself. If you can't find actual plastic model glue I suggest that you look for a general household glue. If that doesn't pan out, check stores which sell plumbing supplies. There are some plastic pipe adhesives which will work on models. Take a couple of pieces of waste (sprue, maybe) along and ask the proprietor if you can run a quick test. What you want is a product which melts the surface of the plastic but evaporates before it can dissolve the whole thing. I believe you'll find something like that will work much better and be much more pleasant to work with. That it, you'll enjoy your model building instead of worrying about gumming the whole thing up. Be sure to use such products in a well ventilated area.

                                                          -- D
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 27, 2011, 02:50:06 AM
"There are some plastic pipe adhesives which will work on models" - Doneldon, you mean a regular PVC pipe joint glue ? Does it have to be transparent ? I guess so. ???
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Doneldon on September 27, 2011, 04:31:34 AM
cz wiz-

PVC or ABS. Colored glue will work much of the time. After
all, the idea is that you aren't supposed to be able to see
the glue line. And a little paint will conceal a multitude of
sins with the glue pot.
                                             -- D
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: mabloodhound on September 27, 2011, 09:37:02 AM
Since you're in Nicaragua, take a look in the local hardware or paint store for MEK, as richg suggested.   This is the same basic composition as the Tenex, etc.   It usually comes in pint cans and larger.   Pour a little in a small glass (NOT plastic!) bottle and with the small paintbrush, apply to the seam where the to parts are held together.   The MEK will wick into the joint and weld the pieces together.
Do not leave the can open as this stuff will evaporate and put the cap back on the small bottle.   Only use a little at a time.   Too much will destroy the joint and you'll have too many fumes, which are not good to breathe.   MEK should be available in your area, just keep looking in the stores.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on September 27, 2011, 09:08:34 PM
I just bought Lanco Transparent Super PVC cement ! God bless ? Is this the last glue I've purchased to start building the kits, lol, and no lol ?
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: PhilipCal on September 30, 2011, 05:13:20 PM
Have to agree with the crew. A good plastic cement is what you need. You can obtain it from the same source you got the Walther's kits from.
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: czechwizard on October 02, 2011, 02:30:49 PM
Quote from: PhilipCal on September 30, 2011, 05:13:20 PM
Have to agree with the crew. A good plastic cement is what you need. You can obtain it from the same source you got the Walther's kits from.

So this Lanco Transparent Super PVC cement does NOT qualify ? !
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Jerrys HO on October 02, 2011, 02:46:59 PM
czech

All the money you spent on oddball glues you could have ordered the correct glue and come out cheaper. I speak for myself but modeling cements were intended for modeling and everything else has it's own purpose. To me PVC glue was intended for plumbing. I have used it for that before but not for modeling. Like the saying goes try it you might like it.( or have to restart from scratch)

Jerry
Title: Re: Glue for building kits
Post by: Doneldon on October 02, 2011, 03:27:59 PM
cz wiz-

If it works, use it. If it doesn't don't. You're the best judge of what you need.

                                                                                         -- D