Model Forum / General / Models / December 2005

Tom,
Depending on the finish of the model, you can use clear, semi-gloss, or flat
clear paint.  Just a small dab with a toothpick or other applicator on the back
of the PE part.  The clear paint will give you ample time to position the PE
part where you want it.

Good luck,

Ray
Austin, TX
===

I use thick CA glues, and sometimes watch crystal cement.  Watch crystal
cement provides a fairly long working time.

The trick is what you use to apply the glue.  One of my favorites for
applying CA is a needle - I use the pointy end, but some like ot use the
eye (sometimes with the end broken off to form a fork) because it holds
more glue that way.  In any event, it allows you to put the glue where
you want it.

I also use another needle in a pin vise for positioning the part.

Using "quick-set" glues like CA is definitely an ordeal, particularly
for those (like me) who cannot, if our lives depended on it, place the
part exactly where it needs to be, the first time (or second...or third...).
Ray's suggestion of using "clear" is excellent, for parts that will not be
under any stress.  For others, you might try 5-minute epoxy-type glues.
Sure, they can be a mess, and you will mix up way more than you will use,
but they *do* give you good working time.

I have also had success (regarding the aforementioned parts that won't
be under stress) with using plain old liquid cement.  Rough up the gluing
surface of the metal part, to give it some tooth.  Brush some cement on the
plastic area, and "squish" the metal part down.  Admittedly, this works
better with larger metal parts, with more gluing-surface area.  It even
works with more petite parts, such as lift-rings, etc., if you are going to
add a weld seam around the part afterwards (a perfect use for a small worm
of 2-part epoxy putty, which will also add some strength).

Many of the gel (thick) CAs are slower setting than the normal stuff,
yet hold really well. I use the gel stuff either when the fit is not
perfect OR when I want some extra positioning time. I keep accelerator
around so that after it is positioned properly I can give it a squirt of
accelerator so it will stiffen up and I don't have to hold the part.

I am sticking door hinges on a DC Kits 128 ABS plastic and super glue to
hold them on. Seems to work well

Got some etched sides for another vehicle - these I will solder bits on