ORIGINAL: Starfighter

Hello, to ALL. My name is Ken.

This question pops up every now and then. I have been building models for a LONG time now (50 yrs.) and have used every adhesive known to man (well most of them anyway). Here's my recommendation:

PLEASE, when gluing Hinge Points or the Flat plastic hinges, use TITEBOND II aliphatic, or any of the other water resistant aliphatics (Weldbond is very good also). Just make sure when you use the aliphatics, that your hinge holes are beveled and deep enough. Also, don't waste time assembling the surfaces. Why? Well, the water in the aliphatic will immediately start to swell the wood of the hinge hole. This swelling causes the wood surrounding the hinge(flat or round) to clamp down and mold around the hinge. Once dry, the hinge WILL NOT pull away from the surface. Again, I state, hinges properly glued with aliphatics WILL NOT pull out, even under severe flutter conditions. By the way, Pacer Hinge Glue is an aliphatic formula. I've tried Gorilla glues and do not like the results. The aliphatics are totally foolproof, and they REALLY WORK! Try an aliphatic, you wil not be disappointed!

TIP: Make sure to roughen up the surface of the hinges with 100grit sandpaper. This removes the mold release and leaves a textured surface for the glue. Also, I join both surfaces at the same time(rather than one side at a time with a drying period in between) so I can flex the joint a few times while the glue is wet to ensure that the hinge points are properly aligned and not binding. For cleanup, warm slightly soapy water. If any gets in the hinge line or hinges, after it drys just flex the surface a few times and pick the dried glue out. No sweat and your surfaces are bonded forever!