In kit building when to use CA and when to use epoy?
#2
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From: vancouver , WA
Hi Raghfrost, Most kits today call for epoxy in the critical area's in the instruction's, Here are some important area's to consider. FIREWALL, WING JOINING, TAIL FEATHER's(vert. & horizontal stab), LANDING GEAR MOUNTING BLOCK, I use epoxy in all area's that will be subject to high stress.
note: no epoxy used installing this pilot figure . hehehe
note: no epoxy used installing this pilot figure . hehehe
#4
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From: vancouver , WA
Building wing's i use thin CA, after the structure is complete, I go over every joint with med. or thick CA, Use thin initialy, as it will set the rib's instantly,(no time to move)
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From: Bedford, MA
Forget CA, use wood glue. Sets slower, but is every bit as strong (if not stronger), plus doesn't produce fumes that'll make you sick (thin give me a headache if I breath too many fumes). I've been using Titebond and the stuff is terrific. Wood breaks before the bonded area. In fact, I only use thin CA for hinges (using a hypodermic needle to reduce fumes) and thick (less fumes) for gaps now.
I use epoxy on area's of high stress as others have mentioned. Also use thinned epoxy (either using heat or alcohol) on any bare areas of wood that may see fuel or exhaust sputter.
I use epoxy on area's of high stress as others have mentioned. Also use thinned epoxy (either using heat or alcohol) on any bare areas of wood that may see fuel or exhaust sputter.
#7
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Take f2racer's advice, use titebond for most uses. Less expensive, stronger, more crash resistant (less brittle) and non toxic. Cleans up with water before it cures yet is nearly waterproof after 24 hours. I even use it for firewalls in big gas burners, the wood breaks before the glue joint does--what more can you want?
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From: singapore, SINGAPORE
yea not a bad idea using wood clue!..
but u gotta keep holding the rib till the glue sets !
but u gotta keep holding the rib till the glue sets !
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From: Frederick,
MD
For model use the regular Titebond is the preferred glue. Use the Titebond 2 only if you plan to fly off water. Regular is much easier to use as the open time and shelf life differ between the two. Titebond will set up so calmps can be removed from a good joint in as little as 15 minutes. If you need to remove a joint water will do the trick as well as heat. Yes, I do work in the woodworking industry. Bill
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From: Bedford, MA
Originally posted by Buz^
if you suggest titebond as i also use at times, give him more imfo, ONLY USE TITEBOND II, as its the only waterproof titebond
if you suggest titebond as i also use at times, give him more imfo, ONLY USE TITEBOND II, as its the only waterproof titebond
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From: singapore, SINGAPORE
ahh thats the problem here in singapore u will never know when it will rain! so i guess i better stick to epoxy and Ca..
and i have one more question.. how is that i have seen ppl covering their wings without any squease it like so perfect esp at the end of the wingtip .. i find it so hard to cover the tips without showing the cut marks of the monocoat..
and i have one more question.. how is that i have seen ppl covering their wings without any squease it like so perfect esp at the end of the wingtip .. i find it so hard to cover the tips without showing the cut marks of the monocoat..
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From: Bedford, MA
Originally posted by Raghfrost
ahh thats the problem here in singapore u will never know when it will rain! so i guess i better stick to epoxy and Ca..
ahh thats the problem here in singapore u will never know when it will rain! so i guess i better stick to epoxy and Ca..
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From: Bedford, MA
Originally posted by Raghfrost
but then again the joints will be coverd with mono coat rite!
but then again the joints will be coverd with mono coat rite!
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From: Frederick,
MD
The following is from a PM to me and my reply regarding this thread.
************************************************** **
Re: yes i do work in the industry
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***^ wrote on 06-29-2002 7:09 PM:
so do the modelers that explained the titebond II use to me, is it just an opinion or is it really the better glue to use, i haven't had any prob's useing II, what were the advantages of regular titebond ??
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***, The reguar Titebond has a longer open time. In other words you have more time to get the 2 pieces together before the glue starts to set up. The Titebond II "skins" over in a very short period of time. It doesn't have the "grab" that the original glue does. It then takes longer in my experience to be able to remove the clamps. In any case there is no substitute for a good wood joint. It also takes longer to come to full cure. I have experienced varying shelf life with the "II" and have had it simply not stick to the wood surface or ball up upon application. I now buy it in small quantities, check the date and toss it after 1 year if not used. I have never had to be concerned with the regular version. Overall I would say yes the regular version is the better choice for model building.
In applications where waterproof glue is used you may want to consider the "polyurethane" types. They are completely waterproof but are difficult to use and do have some health risks both with inhalation and with contact with skin. I use this glue in the application of skins (sheeting) to foam cores as well as other applications.
Bill
************************************************** *
additional information added:
I use CA however do keep it to a minimum for several reasons:
1. It is expensive.
2. It is not good to inhale the fumes.
3. Joint strength is not always assured. (Did I get one 1 or 2 drops on the joint and did it go into the wood or onto the table under the joint or just go into the rib and not the joint of the rib and spar?)
I use very little epoxy for building. The 20 minute "finish" cure is used when applying fiberglass cloth to wing center joints as it is thin in nature.
Bill
************************************************** **
Re: yes i do work in the industry
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***^ wrote on 06-29-2002 7:09 PM:
so do the modelers that explained the titebond II use to me, is it just an opinion or is it really the better glue to use, i haven't had any prob's useing II, what were the advantages of regular titebond ??
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***, The reguar Titebond has a longer open time. In other words you have more time to get the 2 pieces together before the glue starts to set up. The Titebond II "skins" over in a very short period of time. It doesn't have the "grab" that the original glue does. It then takes longer in my experience to be able to remove the clamps. In any case there is no substitute for a good wood joint. It also takes longer to come to full cure. I have experienced varying shelf life with the "II" and have had it simply not stick to the wood surface or ball up upon application. I now buy it in small quantities, check the date and toss it after 1 year if not used. I have never had to be concerned with the regular version. Overall I would say yes the regular version is the better choice for model building.
In applications where waterproof glue is used you may want to consider the "polyurethane" types. They are completely waterproof but are difficult to use and do have some health risks both with inhalation and with contact with skin. I use this glue in the application of skins (sheeting) to foam cores as well as other applications.
Bill
************************************************** *
additional information added:
I use CA however do keep it to a minimum for several reasons:
1. It is expensive.
2. It is not good to inhale the fumes.
3. Joint strength is not always assured. (Did I get one 1 or 2 drops on the joint and did it go into the wood or onto the table under the joint or just go into the rib and not the joint of the rib and spar?)
I use very little epoxy for building. The 20 minute "finish" cure is used when applying fiberglass cloth to wing center joints as it is thin in nature.
Bill
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From: Glen Robertson, ON, CANADA
Originally posted by Raghfrost
so ur tell me that the ribs and all i can use thick CA?
so ur tell me that the ribs and all i can use thick CA?
I use CA for everything and even the firewall for up to 1.20 size.
If you can't make a perfect (no gaps) joint, then don't use CA, if you can make a perfect joint, then CA is as good if not better then anything out there.
My 33% GP Extra was done this way except for the firewall which was also pinned.
#18
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From: singapore, SINGAPORE
I use CA for everything and even the firewall for up to 1.20 size.
If you can't make a perfect (no gaps) joint, then don't use CA, if you can make a perfect joint, then CA is as good if not better then anything out there.
My 33% GP Extra was done this way except for the firewall which was also pinned
If you can't make a perfect (no gaps) joint, then don't use CA, if you can make a perfect joint, then CA is as good if not better then anything out there.
My 33% GP Extra was done this way except for the firewall which was also pinned
by the way could u please tell me at which part of the plane ur user wat type of CA like thick or thin.
#19
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From: Glen Robertson, ON, CANADA
Any time I have two pieces of wood with a good fit, I hold them together and apply thin CA. If I can't reach the glue joint with the bottle, I use thick CA on the piece and then apply the piece of wood to the other piece to be glued.
Don't soak the wood with CA, it only needs a tiny bit to propagate.
For sheeting, I measure very carefully the sheeting needed, then assemble as many sheets as needed (but joint) then I sand it both sides and then cut it to fit properly. I do a dry fit, and mark all the longerons, ribs, whatever it will be attached to.
With the small drill bit, I punch holes every 1/2 inch on the marked sheet. I then refit the sheet to the structure, making sure to aline it perfectly. Then I put a drop of thin CA in every hole I made. I call this CA rivets.
Don't soak the wood with CA, it only needs a tiny bit to propagate.
For sheeting, I measure very carefully the sheeting needed, then assemble as many sheets as needed (but joint) then I sand it both sides and then cut it to fit properly. I do a dry fit, and mark all the longerons, ribs, whatever it will be attached to.
With the small drill bit, I punch holes every 1/2 inch on the marked sheet. I then refit the sheet to the structure, making sure to aline it perfectly. Then I put a drop of thin CA in every hole I made. I call this CA rivets.
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From: Frederick,
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Titebond is available at most "Home" centers or hardware stores.
Try this with Titebond. Apply glue to two surfaces and let the glue dry ( 20 minutes or overnight or a week later > time is not the issue ~ do not assemble). Then get your iron (covering or the one used to iron your shirts) and iron the two pieces together. This will form a bond that is as strong as if you clamped it. Used for sheeting just mark where the ribs are and "paint" the glue on where contact will be made. No pin holes and it can be done quickly.
I am currently using Cyberbond CA. Have used Goldberg / ZAP /
and others in the past. The Cyberbond seems to be the CA of choice for many IMAC pilots.
Bill
Try this with Titebond. Apply glue to two surfaces and let the glue dry ( 20 minutes or overnight or a week later > time is not the issue ~ do not assemble). Then get your iron (covering or the one used to iron your shirts) and iron the two pieces together. This will form a bond that is as strong as if you clamped it. Used for sheeting just mark where the ribs are and "paint" the glue on where contact will be made. No pin holes and it can be done quickly.
I am currently using Cyberbond CA. Have used Goldberg / ZAP /
and others in the past. The Cyberbond seems to be the CA of choice for many IMAC pilots.
Bill
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From: Bedford, MA
Originally posted by new 3d
which brand of Ca do you guys use ?
where can i find Titebond?
Tank you in advance
which brand of Ca do you guys use ?
where can i find Titebond?
Tank you in advance
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From: Anchorage,
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I'd add this to the "why" part of this discussion..
CA is convenient and fast. That's why most modelers use it, because they're in a hurry. But it's not always the best choice. The main reason is that it's rigid.
In all structures, a rigid joint creates a "spike" in that area, meaning that energy tends to get concentrated there. If you have a lightweight, "stick"-type structure, which is engineered to absorb and distribute loads throughout itself, then you're better of with a more flexible (not weaker, just more flexible) adhesive. That would include wood glue, and I'd add silicone to the list, too.
Silicone has some great qualities for modelers. It helps absorb and damp vibration, but will not "break" loose, as CA and epoxy sometimes will. Many of us use it to attach firewalls and landing gear mounts in fiberglass fuselages. (i.e., "Goop", ZAP "Goo", etc.) Another bonus is that silicone can be removed later, if need be, with a sharp knife.
Epoxy is somewhere in between. It's more flexible than CA, but still fairly rigid. Certain types of epoxy are also quite strong, on their own, such as the West Systems epoxy.
There's no one "magic" adhesive that will do all modeing tasks. A little reading and research will lead you to the right one for the job. Also, adding various types of fillers to each adhesive can change it's properties in dramatic ways.
CA is convenient and fast. That's why most modelers use it, because they're in a hurry. But it's not always the best choice. The main reason is that it's rigid.
In all structures, a rigid joint creates a "spike" in that area, meaning that energy tends to get concentrated there. If you have a lightweight, "stick"-type structure, which is engineered to absorb and distribute loads throughout itself, then you're better of with a more flexible (not weaker, just more flexible) adhesive. That would include wood glue, and I'd add silicone to the list, too.
Silicone has some great qualities for modelers. It helps absorb and damp vibration, but will not "break" loose, as CA and epoxy sometimes will. Many of us use it to attach firewalls and landing gear mounts in fiberglass fuselages. (i.e., "Goop", ZAP "Goo", etc.) Another bonus is that silicone can be removed later, if need be, with a sharp knife.
Epoxy is somewhere in between. It's more flexible than CA, but still fairly rigid. Certain types of epoxy are also quite strong, on their own, such as the West Systems epoxy.
There's no one "magic" adhesive that will do all modeing tasks. A little reading and research will lead you to the right one for the job. Also, adding various types of fillers to each adhesive can change it's properties in dramatic ways.
#25

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Ok,, well, while on this subject...
How about PROBOND <elmers> and/or
PROBOND POLYURETHANE <elmers>...
The poly does expand and fill gaps which is good at times..
But how do they equate to strenght comparing to CA and
epoxy..
Thank you,,
Robby
How about PROBOND <elmers> and/or
PROBOND POLYURETHANE <elmers>...
The poly does expand and fill gaps which is good at times..
But how do they equate to strenght comparing to CA and
epoxy..
Thank you,,
Robby


