Brass Spandau question

[Gisbod]

Sorry for all the questions lately, I'm just keen to improve!

I always seem to struggle gluing the brass machine gun pieces together. I've tried CA, Gator glue and epoxy but none really seem to work that well - particularly the end piece and crosshairs sight (which always breaks off!).

I know they recommend soldering, but I just can't see how you could solder such small pieces without making a pigs ear of it 

Any thoughts, suggestions..

Thanks again,

Guy

[uncletony]

CA is plenty strong if the parts are clean and the fit tight. However you must not jiggle the parts while the CA is initially curing or else the bond will be compromised. For very tiny parts that i can't jig up I often use a dot of epoxy or a puddle of future to position the parts; once that is dry I hit the seam with CA.

[Gisbod]

Ok Bo,

Thanks. Very helpful again. I may have to set up a 'bat phone' by my modelling bench (directly to you) for future use..

Guy

[martin]

Good advice from Bo.

Check what viscosity CA you are using, that will have an impact also, the difference in setting times can vary dramatically from something like under 5 secs to 20 secs.

Gator glue would simply not be the right choice for the task in this situation. It takes to long to set in this case but is darn fine stuff for other situations.

Martin.

[kornbeef]

Firstly, never feel bad about asking. It saves me having to for one thing. :-)

For things like the end of the jacket I tend to use a Gel Superglue to just touch the edge of the brass to it, then once it is set I run thin Superglue around the seam to give a nice strong bond.

I use Gel because it has a longer drying time to fiddle the part into place *allegedly* It also gives time to clear the excess away before it sets too. Small brass parts that won't be moved or treat roughly and especially bezels I fix with Klear over the decal for the instrument then puddle more in to the lens area. Secures both the rim and creates a glass lens at once.

I mostly use Gel Superglue, just because it gives you fiddle time.

Keith

[Gisbod]

Thanks Keith,

I'll get some gel - I haven't tried that yet..

What do people use to apply thin CA? I can't seem to do it without it running everywhere, so I've basically given up using it..

Guy

[martin]

You can now buy purpose made CA applicators however Ive always had success with a plain simple cocktail stick.

Martin

[Gisbod]

Thanks Martin,

I have tried a cocktail stick but it just seems to absorb the glue (when using thin - the thick's ok)

I guess a metal needle may work?

Guy

[Gisbod]

Ps don't the applicators just get gummed up?

[uncletony]

Thanks Keith,

I'll get some gel - I haven't tried that yet..

What do people use to apply thin CA? I can't seem to do it without it running everywhere, so I've basically given up using it..

Guy

This has been covered  at length in another topic... but, I use a modified sewing needle -- cut the eye in half to form a tiny fork. Stick the pointy end in a wine cork, one with a nice flat end so that stands up when not in use. Dip the needle fork in runny CA and apply away. To keep the thing clean, I keep a small jar of acetone. The cork seals the jar, the acetone cleans the needle.

[Gisbod]

Ok - I'll definitely give that a go..

Guy

[martin]

Forgive me and delete if this is not allowed but I have added some links for applicators below, not sure what the protocol is so as as I say please remove if its not allowed.

RB Productions do one...link bellow

http://www.radubstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_122&products_id=439

I believe Uschi has just started stocking one also...link below

http://www.uschivdr.com/products/new-uvdr-4-ca-glue-applicator/

There are others available online also.

Martin.

[coyotemagic]

Guy, my favorite CA applicator of all time is a bamboo skewer split in half so one side is flat.  I sharpened the tip with sand paper, dipped it in CA, let it dry, then sharpened it again.  Once the CA was absorbed, it will stopped soaking up more.  I've used this same stick for a couple years now and it has worked perfectly every time.  Over time, the CA will continue to build up and will need regular sharpening.  As long as the tip is sharp, you can apply even the tiniest drop of CA.
Cheers,
Bud

[kornbeef]

I'm lazy I use the end of my scalpel blade. 

[Gisbod]

Thanks,

All very good advice..

Perhaps my models won't have so many lumps of superglue stuck to them in future  it's good to get the basics right!

Guy