scigs30

My Feedback: (8)

When I started building in the early 80's most people were using wood glues and in the late 80s most were switching over to CA. I do remember old timers using Cements on RC builds such as Ambroid and Sigment. My question is do people still use these glues for RC builds? If not why? I know these glues are still around but they appear to be used my Freeflighters only.

js3

My Feedback: (3)

I have a tube of Ambroid on my shelf right now. When I run out, I'll buy another.

dbacque

My Feedback: (3)

Yes I still use Ambroid! I also use CA, epoxy and many others. Today we have a wealth of good adhesives and each has their strong points. I use a lot of CA for the same reason that most people do, because of it's cure speed. But for edge joining balsa sheeting or other exposed joints nothing beats Ambroid because it's so sandable. A little light fine sanding and the joint is invisible. With CA you'll always have a ridge that will show through the covering.

And to top it off, the smell of Ambroid brings me back to my youth.

Dave

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

All the time, Ambroids and Sigment are both still made and sell quite well. My LHS stocks them both plus a few others I have never heard of. CA is so much faster to use so it took over the building market but people discovered you can get a CA reaction if you use it too often and in an enclosed area so have gone back to the old stand by glues. Wood glues are usually faster then the old Ambroids and SIG. It's just a choice thing. I use it all but for the most part I use CA.

scigs30

My Feedback: (8)

Yea, I miss the smell of balsa Cements. I still use Testors balsa cement for rubber powered freeflight.

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

I use Elmer's Carpenter's Glue for all my builds. I used to use CA to build with, but I started to see myself getting more sensitive to the CA and didn't like where that was going so I switched over to Elmer's. Many people become hyper-sensitive to CA over time and finally get to point that they can't even be around it any longer. I've seen people that would have their lungs and throat hurt for days after being exposed to CA. I didn't want to wind up like that. So when I started seeing myself reacting more to the CA I changed. I still use CA on some things were there aren't alternatives like CA hinges (don't use these much any more either), hardening threads cut in wood, and such.

matadco

My Feedback: (1)

Ken I go along with you. I too use a lot of Elmers carpenter glue, expecially when I have to join two serfaces that will take some time to get lined straight. However, I also use a lot of thin CA, just to get a piece to hold then come back with the thick or a second dose of the thin. I haven't seen Ambroid for such a long time. Unfortunately, we are down to only one small HS. His inventory is small but he will order the product for you and have it in 4-5 days. Seems like there is just not enough profit for LHS to stay open. We had a good one go down early this summer. However, Hobby Lobby caries some models expecially plastic ones and different glues.

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

I was just using my wood glue this am. I was applying the sheeting to my stab. I still use alot of wood glue when I build, along with thick CA and epoxy. Good Luck, Dave

Rodney

One reason the old cements are not used so much any more is that the more modern glues are stronger, resist shock loads much better and do not deteriorate so much with age. For balsa or other wood, any of the alaphatics are so much better in most applications.

Boomerang1

White carpenter's glue, CA & epoxies for me now.

I still keep a tube of balsa cement around for when I'm covering in fabric. When dope won't quite stick an edge down the balsa cement will & the next coat of dope will dissolve into it leaving no ridges.

I have heard modellers describing others as 'balsa cement'. I did not get the joke until they explained that they are really just thick dopes! - John.

ARUP

Like Ken, I use wood glue like Elmer's, Titebond, Sigbond, etc. I use epoxy in some applications. I also use Ambroid and Duco cement. They sand just like balsa. I only use CA to make fixtures and jigs for building. CA is too expensive, too difficult to sand and worst of all it gives me a runny nose so I have some sensitivity to it.

TomCrump

I buy CA by the case, and use it frequently.

Oberst

I remember using Testers Balsa Cement on my Guillow Planes back in the 80's. But once I tried CA, I never looked back.


Pete

noveldoc

My Feedback: (2)

The old DuPont fast drying cement was the thing for covering with silkspan. Smear a little on the wood then hit the paper with some brushed on dope thinner to tack it down. Did great.

I remember having a lot of issues with structural strength and using mainly carpenter's white glue.

Tom

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

I use tite bond 11, its water proof and holds very well . I dont use ca like i use to and epoxy where i need extra strength . joe

noveldoc

My Feedback: (2)

CA is fairly brittle. I wonder how it will hold up to vibration long term.

Have there been any studies?

Tom

Oberst

I have had planes that reached 15 years of age And was assembled with CA and Epoxy. One plane the Balsa rotted out so I scraped it. ( wasn't worth rebuilding, previous owner hung the plane in a unheated garage for 14 years) The other is on my shelf still flying today and soon will be 16 years old. So far no problems other than my flying skills.


Pete

tryingagain

For me Ambroid still has some applications. Although I primarily use CA and epoxies, I love Ambroid mixed with balsa dust a a joint filler. East to use and sands great.

Cheers

Gord

GaryHarris

I have gone from using nothing but CA and epoxy to Titebond II. I still use epoxy where normally suggested but now I only use CA to tack things together and finish it off with Titebond II.

balsabuff

My Feedback: (30)

I started out with Testors Formula B. The only good thing about it was it peeled off your fingers easily. 'buff

cloudancer03

My Feedback: (22)

must admit I got very happy using ambroid.I used elmers alot but the ca is stronger and lighter.I really like flying lighter planes and you dont have to wait until its bedtime for the new glues to dry.I say use whatever floats your boat.and you probably fly on 72 ...lol just an inside joke

Bundubasher

Debacque, well said !! I fully agree.
I have a biplane built in 1983, had to re-cover it with Oratex but the woodwork construction/joints are still in good nick after all these years.

Cheers
Bundu