CA

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Haven’t used CA in quite a few years but had an opportunity this morning. Reached the same conclusion I reached years back. CA only sticks to one thing and that’s Chris Anderson!! Can you really glue anything together with this stuff? Jeesh

Chris

2

Are you trying to apply it straight from the bottle?

3

The kit I purchased has a little applicator tip. By the way, I wasn’t trying to glue any small parts together. I was using it to attach a plastic part to a metal part, fairly large pieces.

I haven’t used the stuff in quite a while. All I remember from the last time I used it years ago was that it never seemed to glue anything together. I always ended up switching to epoxy products instead.

Now I’m trying to use it for my modeling hobby and am experiencing the same frustration. I’m truly amazed anyone can glue something together with this stuff. I’ve never gotten it to stick to anything other than me.

I’ll probably get better with a little practice. :))

Chris

4

The thing that makes the most difference to CA sticking or not sticking is contact surface area. It needs flat surfaces in direct contact. Try gluing a rounded piece of spru across another rounded piece of sprue - it won’t hold no matter how much glue you put on it. Sand the tiniest “flat” on both pieces and it will grab instantly.

5

[dto:] to what Phil_H said. I usually put a drop or two of CA in a bottle cap and use a pointed toothpick to apply the CA. As Phil_H said, a little goes a long way if the joint is good.

Jim[cptn]

6

You can also try Gator Glue. Much easier to work with.

7

Good responses - thanks guys.

Chris

8

Hi Buff,

Any special storage requirements for Gator Glue? I’m wondering if it requires either the freezer/refrigerator trick or extremely dry conditions like CA to keep it.

Thanks, Rick

9

Hi Rick.

Nothing special. I leave it on the bench with the top closed up tightly. You certainly wouldn’t want to freeze it.

10

Thanks! Another quick question on the Gator Glue: is it activated by water like CA? If not, can it be “accelerated” with anything? Does it work as quickly as CA?

Sorry about all the questions, but I am very intrigued by this stuff and thinking of giving it a try. Is the only place to purchase it from the Gator web site?

Cheers, Rick

11

No problems, Rick. I’m glad to help out. I’m pretty sure you can’t accelerate it. I don’t. I like the fact that it gives me the extra working time. Contact Gator through the website, and I’m sure he’ll answer your questions.

I ordered mine through the website.

I think it’s great stuff. I never liked using CA, and Gator Glue is an awfully good replacement as far as I’m concerned.

12

FYI to all, went on the Spru Brothers website to order Gator Glue and they have discontinued selling until spring because it is suspectable to freezing. doc bailey