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Old 01-02-2008 | 11:35 PM
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WhiteWolf McBride
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Default RE: Styrene sheet mods

I have to agree with edoubleaz:

For styrenes and ABS, Tenax and its major component MEK, are BEST, as they partially dissolve the surfaces to 'weld' the contact point. I've had normal tube glues and epoxies fail on ABS and older styrene, and MEK (bought as Model Builder Supply (MBS) APSC-1) did the job wonderfully.

And that liquid stuff others sell (at rediculous prices) with the paint brush applicators (like Testors) is mostly MEK too. Read the label.

You want to attach metal to plastic? Sure, CA or epoxy is appropriate, but for a styrene to styrene or ABS bond, MEK is the best. Ask ANY plastic's shop. They sell MEK in anything from 100ml on up. I can't get a litre as cheap as edouble can, but its MUCH cheaper than buying the small bottles in the hobby shop.

MEK is ALSO an Epoxy & CA (CyanoAcrylate aka superglue) debonder! I've used it to debond CA and JB Weld, and recommend it over an expensive bottle of CA-debonder.

So buy some, and get a less-expensive double-use product.

PS: Want a CA kicker for hidden areas? Baking soda. Modellers have been using it for decanes to reinforce thin styrene (like windshield pillars) and other thin areas. Thin layer of CA, then sprinkle with the soda. I use an old denture powder bottle, puffs it out nicely! (you can get similar small bottles in the plastics shop!)