In the past I've used good old Elmer's glue to secure clear plastic parts like canopies and such. Currently I'm working on a B-9 Robot kit from the original "Lost in Space" and his head is a 2 piece clear dome. I could use Elmer's again but it just isn't that strong of a bond and I don't want to have to keep re attaching it every time I dust the darn thing. Anyone have any suggestions on what might work better than Elmer's for gluing clear parts?
-Dave
I've had good luck with dipping the clear parts in Future®, then applying tiny drops of super glue with a toothpick. Then I immediately place the parts in front of a fan. An example would be having the air flow into an open section of the fuselage. The combination of the Future® coating and air circulation keeps the fumes from fogging the parts.
On the other hand I had an Zaku II Gundam model that required two clear parts to seal together like your dilemma. I made sure the CA drops were on the outside edges of the part. Any that might have crept inside would not get the air circulation and I did not want to test the ability of the Future® by itself. Worked fine with a lot of care.
TMB
Spread a very thin film of epoxy on a piece of glass and press the rim of one part into it, then assemble.
OK, these solution sounds interesting, but I have to admit, I have no idea what Future=AE does for clear parts?.?.? I have heard of people using it, but what exactly is the purpose? Also, I have never worked with epoxy, what kind should I use and where can I get it? Hardware store, Wal-Mart, Craft store? Thanks for the information, this is great stuff.....=20
-Dave
This *really* should be in the FAQ:
Along with this one too...
Epoxy from the hobby shop, NHP brand. 5 or 12 minute will work fine.
White glue is indeed not a very good bond. Thus,the parts must fit together extremely well. See if you can improve the fit by filing or reshaping any of the parts that seat together.
Also, I keep microglaze stuff around both for creating small windows, and for gluing transparencies. Yeah, I know it is just white glue, but somehow it seems to hold a little bit tighter than regular white glue.
Years ago, I bought 'watch crystal cement' from Micro Mark. It sounded like a good product but I've never used it. After "Future-ing" my canopies, I use super glue and have never had a problem with fogging, etc. I still have the watch cement. I'll have to try it someday...
Frank Kranick
Watch crystal cement - from Micro Mark.
This is all great information, thanks. I will definitely be getting some Future for clear parts and maybe some Epoxy too. Now if I could just make some time to actually sit down and work on some models.... The kids start school today so hopefully things will start winding down soon and I will get some time....
-Dave
-----
"I used to have a handle on life - but it broke"
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required