Mini Glue applicator

D

DennisP

Joined
Dec 23, 2024
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Hi Folks,
It’s me again with another question.
When trying to apply glue to stick something together on our models I quickly learnt that to apply it from the glue bottles direct to the pieces on the model that need to be glued, too much glue is applied.
Therefore I cut down a piece of discarded plank tapering to a fine point, about 1mm across. This I felt would be small enough and then squeezed the glue pot to allow a very small amount to be put on the very end of my hand made glue applicator. This worked and I used this method for all the tiny areas on my model, which was a lot. But I continually had to keep cutting down the tip as the glue built up over several applications.
I now have a model where I need a very small glue applicator as there are loads of tiny parts. Now Artesania Latina, where I bought my model has an applicator that is ideal for my purposes. It actually fits in place of the cutting blade on my modelling tool.
I could have ordered it when I ordered the model but was not aware of my upcoming problem at that time.
So, I have tried to order the part from ART LAT but due to the UK not being in the EU now they have a minimum £140 order for anything going to the UK. So ordering it from them is out.

What do you guys use in that I could buy in the UK for applying tiny amounts of glue please.

Thanks
 
I collect plasic hypodermic syringes whenever and wherever I can to use for PVA glue application, paint color mixing, and so on. Some fairly large ones for large animals come from my vet's office. They can be purchased on line easily. See: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hypoderm...x=hypodermic+syringe,aps,167&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

As you will see from the Amazon link, they are available in a variety of sizes, with or without needles attached. It's very easy to fill one with glue for modeling use. The syringe can be capped and stored in the refrigerator between modeling sessions, or easily emptied back into the glue container and rinsed out. Used with a hypodermic needle attached, a controlled application of glue down to an extremely minute drop is easily possible.
 
I have a pin clamped in a pin vice (what else?) that I can pick up small drops of glue with. Also an old air brush need pushed through a length of dowel I had drilled end to end. The possibilities are endless, depending on what you have laying about.
 
I use empty vape juice bottles for dispensing small quantities of various liquids. Shown below (L to R) PVA glue, Clear varnish, Hammerite primer. The latter two save opening a tin when all I want is enough to varnish a pin rail or prime a few yard fittings.
dispensers.jpg
 
I use a large sewing needle that I cut the eye in the middle to make a small Y. The other end was stuck into a dowel. this way you can apply micro-size drops. If the eye becomes caked with glue you can easily clean it with a flame.

Rob

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I tried using the applicator below. The problem that I found was the small size needle. It constantly clogs up when using wood glue. What works best for me is to squeeze out some glue and use a tooth pick to apply the glue.

Bill

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Bill-R said:
I tried using the applicator below. The problem that I found was the small size needle. It constantly clogs up when using wood glue. What works best for me is to squeeze out some glue and use a tooth pick to apply the glue.

Bill

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Here's my woodglue application scheme, I pour a little Titebond into a bottle top or similar and then apply it to the model with a small stiff and cheap paintbrush which I immediately drop into a jar of water. I have lots of the cheap brushes so that I always have one dry and ready to use.
 
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