Best Slow Glue for a 91 year old

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Building Materials & Supplies
1

I’m sure you’ve covered this before. But my dad, 91, who has NEVER asked me for advice on anything (I still need his advice on everything, from lawnmowers, coffee makers, cars, basically…life. I’m so lucky I have him around still), asked me what is the best glue that is ‘slower’ to cure than the Testor’s ‘regular’ stuff that he grew up with. I’m sure there is something. I think the thin cement may be not right for him (?) and I don’t want to get him into CA glues - I don’t think - I usually use those for my R/C planes and stuff. But I will default to whatever you experts might suggest. In fact, I’ll end up getting him a few for him to try! But what should I get for him?

He’s a good builder, better than me, so it must just be a literal age thing?

2

Wow 91 and still building that’s impressive. Not sure what to tell you on the glue but here’s a link describing different types. Hope it helps.

http://www.scalemodelguide.com/construction/materials/learn-glue/

3

I would suggest “Aleen’s Tacky Glue”. It’s a water-soluable white glue, something like Elmer’s. It sets slowly and has no solvents except water, so it’s very safe, and it will glue just about anything.

4

Thanks to both for great suggestions. I picked up some Aleen’s and send him the link about glues in general. Great link. My monthly wooden ship modeling meeting will be covering…you guessed it! Glues!

Great forum by the way. I’ve always gotten help.

Will

5

Don Stauffer is a fan of the UV curing glue. I haven’t tried it but it’s worth a look.

Aleen’s, and for that matter CA, won’t make a strong bond if he’s building plastic kits. That’s not a big deal if the model is going to sit on display, but handling it will run the risk of parts falling off.

In every other combo of materials it works well.

6

One problem with normal thin CA glue is that the parts have to meet perfectly- it will not fill any gaps. I only use it on joints I know are perfect. My go-to is CA gel, which does fill small gaps. Have not had adhesion problems with it. It sets a lot slower than regular thin CA also, which gives you time to get things in place.

But even the gel CA sets too fast for very long seams like a bomber fuselage. For that I use Tamiya liquid cement. I prepare the seams carefully to remove any mold relief angles, put glue on both pieces, clamp it well, and let it set for three or four hours.

I use the UV hardening stuff for transparent parts like windows that can fog from CA glue.

7

have you used Aleen’s on plastic kits much? I’m looking for nontoxic, low/no odor glues. Thanks