Here is a question(s) that I have concerning the use of an accelerator with super glues. I am a big supporter of super glues in model construction. Part of this love is due to that fact that I am always in a hurry. The Question: Does the use of an accelerator have any effect upon the strength of the glued joint? If I am not in a hurry, or am gluing frames to the keel, I do use a resin based glue. I have been using Konishi Quick Dry Wood Glue for the last 5 years. I find it to be excellent with a quick "grab" for small parts and relatively quick drying an it drys transparent. It is difficult to find and quite expensive (about $15 for 2 ounces). In some instances I use the Konishi to enable me to position parts properly. I will then use a small amount of of super glue to accelerate the drying time. Even here I often use the accelerator because I do not like holding the part for 15-20 second while the thin super glue sets. I buy super glues in 1/2 or 1 oz amounts to avoid spoilage and put my unused supply in the refrigerator. It has been my understanding that keeping super glue cool will extend it useful life. Is this true?
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Gluing
- Thread starter Paul D Hall
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Great question. I see many model builders on YouTube using accelerator for superglue, so I guess it works fine.
My opinion is that it is possible to impact the strength of the bond of CA with accelerator. As with the use of many catalysts in a chemical reaction, the use of an accelerator with CA will generate heat. Even so much heat as to give you a 2nd degree (a burn with blister) burn if you get your flesh involved. if you use a great deal of accelerator on too much glue on a joint, the glue will basically boil and create a bubbled hazy surface. I believe this bond will not be as strong as a normal bond.
That being said, I think any bond with accelerator on CA will be sufficient for the rigors our models experience during construction or after completion.
The above information is my personal opinion and I have not conducted any tests to support this hypothesis.
Jeff
That being said, I think any bond with accelerator on CA will be sufficient for the rigors our models experience during construction or after completion.
The above information is my personal opinion and I have not conducted any tests to support this hypothesis.
Jeff
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From my experience after applying an accelerator the CA joint was not as smooth and a little discolored. I built and flew RC airplanes for many years and learned using an accelerator was not always a quick fix, joints tended to be weaker unless I allowed them to cure. I rarely use it on ship models. Thin CA glue works fine for me.
Keeping unopened superglue in the refrigerator definitely helps. Superglue sets up with moisture to try to keep it well sealed in a dry environment.
I am surprised that some accelerators are being used for CA glues. My problem with CA is that it sets too fast, I would say instantly not allowing me to make any adjustments when making a joint. I would rather find and use some substance that retard the CA setting process.
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or "Fast setting". Usually, the thinner the CA is (referring to the consistency of the liquid in the bottle and not how much you put on the parts) , the faster it will set (without accelerator). Also, the thin CA will not fill any gap and you must have a very good mating of the parts for the glue to affix the two parts together. The thicker the glue is, the slower it will set, but the thicker CA glues will fill a gap.
Jeff
Discolored how? Did it turn frosty white? If so, that would look terrible in rigging knots.
That's the indicator I was referring to that your using too much accelerator.
One totally different option that people may want to consider is UV setting glue such as Bondic. It handles much like CA but will not set up or polymerize until it is exposed to UV light. You can experiment with a small Bondic set but you can buy large amounts along with a decent UV flashlight through Amazon at very reasonable prices.
The advantage is it will not stick to you or anything until you want it to and it sets instantly when exposed to UV.
Rob
The advantage is it will not stick to you or anything until you want it to and it sets instantly when exposed to UV.
Rob