Theres one thing Ive never mastered in all my years of modelling. And thats super glue. First it goes off in the tube/bottle long before Ive used half of it. Then sometimes it sets in seconds while other times it just looks at me and gives me the middle finger. Im sure it knows when Im in the mood for temper tantrums. Today it was some pe. First piece worked a dream. Next piece fell off after a minute. Too much glue? Or maybe its too cold. But dang it the third piece just refused to go in place. Then when it did it kept falling off.
So Im thinking of taking up knitting!
I’m really sorry to hear that; super glue has had nothing but good things to say about you whenever we’ve spoken. Perhaps you two are just having a miscommunication and need to reset. Maybe you and your super glue could go out for coffee and hash things out there in the café?
I took Superglue out for a meal and got stuck with the check.
I feel your pain. It’s fairly easy to predict the unpredictability of CA glue biting…or going toothless – typically when attempting to secure the most fragile/awkward items. I end up constructing artistic Gorgon-like supports out of BlueTac, pressing the PE part to a snake’s head & gently leaning/pushing it towards the fixing point. Once “docked” in place hit it with the CA & then go out for a nice meal with your partner.
On returning, it should be easy to carefully pull the BlueTac away without bringing the part with it. Otherwise, as I’ve told before, one can end up wearing the part as an ear adornment to be discovered hours later after fruitless searches.
I had similar issues with the “MX BON” super glue.
Since I changed the brand and used “LOCTITE” super glue, it works well all the time.
Perhaps you should try another brand of super glue ?
I find my modelling sessions turn into recurring proof of superglue’s primary use - sticking flesh together!
I use Loctite exclusively because it’s cheap and widely available - both are important given how fast it goes off in the bottle.
Oh, and I look forward to seeing builds with the PE stitched onto the model…
I also do not like super glue but we have signed a peace treaty. I keep CA glue in a sealed tub with crystal pouches that prevent humidity and that results in a product that does not go off while kept. For use I place some on tinfoil and apply with a cocktail stick and some such applicator. I hope this helps you declare a cease fire.
I used to have the same problems until I switched to Ammo Ultraglue, an acrylic resin. It is not as strong nor sets as quickly, but it is good enough for me. It allows you a good time to place the parts, can be used with photoetch and resin, and you can clean the excess with water before it dries, or even remove it when cured.
I would say I can use it on 99% of the tasks on which I used CA.
Gator’s grip is also an alternative if you can get it easier.
I have a bottle of Extreme Power Thick which is sold through Hobby Lobby here in the States. Been using the same bottle since October. As long as you clear the nozzle and get the cap back on reasonably soon I have no issues with this brand.
I have extra thin which I use for certain applications, however in the last few builds I’ve used Uhu in a twin pack. It’s good stuff with just enough for a build and I get a twin pack for £1 from strangely enough the Pound Shop.
I also had problems with superglue until I read a tip. Moistening the parts to be glued with a little saliva usually helps. It may sound gross, but the end justifies the means.
Your post reminded me I need to pick up a new bottle, thanks. The reason for needing a new bottle being the cap was a bit stuck on the old one and the application of channel lock pliers resulted in the whole nozzle cracking off.
My biggest problem with superglue- both brands I’ve used- is they dry up in the tube towards the end and I have to use a pin of small nail to open it every time. This is after I close it up with the cap. Frustrating !
In many applications, I will use Liquitex Gloss medium instead, there is also Gator Glue both similar products.
Still need super glue and soldering but those limited for my needs.
It’s all fun and games until you get your tongue stuck to the model!
UHU brand offers CA glue in 1g tubes. These are ideal since you use them and when they are empty. just open another. I also second Franks opinion about moistening. I blow gently to the glue joint and it cures much faster.