forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: Todd Holaday on November 29, 2014, 03:38:53 PM
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I just recently read a tip that was helpful to me and am passing it along. The super glue applicators routinely sold are basically a paint brush handle with a protruding metal end like a needle with the eye end notched. I'm sure you know what I'm referring to, either you have one or have made one. I have struggled with not being able to wipe away the excess glue in time to avoid a buildup occuring. I had been scraping off the hardened excess and occasionally have broken an applicator. Here's the tip. Keep a candle nearby and very briefly use the flame to burn off the excess. Works like a charm, keeps the applicator clean and its so fast the needle doesn't heat up and become brittle. :)
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Thanks Todd for the tip, I'm sure this will be very useful for those who use the needle eye applicators.
Des.
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I use that mehtod as well, just keep in mind that burned super glue is toxid, so keep away from the smoke and keep well ventilated. I have a collection of needles in handles and burn them of in a batch under the kitchen ventitator or outside if the weater is good. Needles are cheap and I seem to go through small paint brushes very quickly so my set of aplicators gets bigger every year!
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Yep, I use a small, disposable lighter. I'm too much of a danger to myself and others to keep a lit candle on the workbench. ;) :o :o
Warren
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I keep my applicator (needle stuck into a wine bottle cork) with the tip soaking in a small jar of acetone. Always ready, no muss, no fuss.
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Ditto for me to clean the tip. I use a lighter. Also before I saw that these items were being sold I used to make mu own applicators. Some sewing needles nicked from my whif and inserted into a piece of brass tubing with a round tooth pick jammed in to hold the needle in place. Then cut off the tip of the eyelet. I had a few different sizes so I could use whatever amount of ca I needed, e.g. small tip for small quantity in tight area up to a medium tip for filling. When the eyelet finally broke it was easy to remove the wood jam and pull the needle out and replace it.
James