I’ve done some large pieces before–sand channels, fenders, etc–but I just tried using some of the really fine stuff for the first time, and I’m hopeless.
How do you get the little tiny pieces to go where you want them to and stay there? I just spent nearly an hour wrestling with a single grab bar, and all I have to show for it is a smear of superglue obscuring the kit detail. [B)] No matter what I tried, the thing would either fall over on its side, or stick to the knife blade.
Any advice?
M.
Well, I just finished my first Sherman detail set and I followed the tips from Shep Paines book. I’ve got some good long nosed cuved tweezers and super slow set CA. I put some CA on a piece of coffee can lid(any of that type plastic works) and with the tweezers gently dip the part into the CA. Try to get only enough on the bottom of the part to make it stick. Then,as I’m placing the part where it goes I get my razor knife with #11 X-acto blade with the other hand and help place the part.Once I get it steady I let go with the tweezers and touch the part with accelerator being careful not to glue the micro brush to the part.I know this sounds complicated but for my first time it worked like a charm. I think if you can get the slowest CA you can really helps. I used the Great Plains super slow with accelerator and I had a great time. Now I did practice this on some scrap plastic with super small pieces I cut off the PE frame.[2c] Like I said this was the first time I did a full detail set and I was intimidated before I started, but now I’m hooked after the results!!! Hope this helps and I’m sure someone else will have some tips to help.[:D]
I take a fine piece of copper wire, dip it in CA glue and put that droplet where I need it on the model, then place and hold the part with either my needle nose or tweezers. While the glue is on the wire I can add or remove glue as neccessary.
I’ve just recently completed my first PE project, and can appreicate your frustrations working with very small parts, and super glue! I think the suggestions given by “Stug61, and Ackman” will go along ways in helping you to overcome your apprehension of working with small highly detailed parts. Also invest in a good pair of quality tweezers, not those cheap dimestore variety, you’ll never regret it. Good luck with your PE efforts, and remember you’re not alone. Semper Fi, mike
Please don’t forget good old 5 minute epoxy. It gives you a long working time and, IMHO, is as good as CA, if not better. I use a mixture of CA, Epoxy, and white glue to attach pe (Not mixed together[:D][:D]).
When setting really small parts, a tip I learned here, is to use a small dab of the Yellow Tack poster hanging stuff on the end of a toothpick or wire. Just enough stick to hold the part, and will let go when the glue sets. And don’t forget good old spit! I keep a toothpick in my mouth just for that purpose while doing pe. Just avoid getting super glue anywhere around it. Best case, it will only fog you CA on the model, worse case, you have a toothpick stuck to your tounge!!!
Just my $.02. I ain’t no expert, just tried a couple different things.
Ted
i’m taking notes on this thread… i’m still fiddling with the PE for my tiger
For things like grab handles, I like to drill a small hole under the two legs. It give a lot more strength to the handle. Much less likely to get knocked off in later days.
I’ve hand trouble handling pe, too. Thanks for the really useful tips, guys.
What works for me - toothpick dip in CA thick or Med. both fine this way you can get a very small drop where you want the part to go. The cut the end off a toothpick so it flat on one end, Dip in water pick up part place where you want it . It seems the CA pulls the part right in, And with thicker CA you still have plenty of time to adjust…for the other (not flat parts same method but use tweezers.
Mike- yw18 told be this method and it works…
I have the same problems holding the small pieces. To attach them I have used Future floor wax to attach certain shapes. Sometimes it worked better than CA.[2c]
I did everything right the first time I was working with PE… and still couldn’t get it right. The key for me and my old unsteady hands was getting more light and a set of good magnifying glasses and I found I was able to do it much more smoothly. Not seeing exactly what I wanted to do made my hands shake with a little uncertainty and that was enough to always smear the glue and not touch the part right into it.
It also helped when I learned to brace my arms against something, the edge of the table, my knees… something to help me move slowly and accurately.
I have always been a “touch of glue on the target” PE person and that way, when I get the piece close, I can see it make contact. Then a spritz of accelerator and [:D]
I hadn’t thought of practicing with scrap though, I am going to go home tonight and play … err… I mean practice… !!!
Thanks for all the advice. [:)] Things went a little smoother tonight with the periscope guards.
M.
Thin CA glue seems to bond faster for me , the thicker stuff seems to take forever .
Less is better in both cases however , dries quicker and less tendency to gum up the details . I use a toothpick to apply .