Needing a new glue. Plastruct OK?

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

I moved to a regional area about 18months ago and my supplies of Tamiya glue is low, with no local replacement. The local Hobby and Technology store stocks Plastruct. What are peoples experience with it? Is it a suitable replacement for Tamiya Cement or Extra Thin Cement (Orange & Green Lid Bottles) or should I would I be better off mail ordering for a restock? Thanks in Advance

2

I use Plastruct Plastic Weld about half the time I need plastic to plastic bonding. It’s great for welding styrene to styrene surfaces, as that’s literally what it does-- weld the two parts together by liquifying the two surfaces. Can’t say how it compares to Tamiya, as I’ve never used that stuff. The other 50% of my bonding is done with CA glue. Plastruct also makes a glue called Bondene, which binds ABS and other types of plastic besides styrene. It’s just okay, in my opinion.

3

I have used it, and it worked fine until the bottle got down to about a quarter or fifth full, and then it didn’t work as well. Must be the more volatile parts evaporated away?

I found a can of TCE at my local hardware store awhile ago (it is getting very hard to find) and am now using that while the can lasts, then will probably go back to the Plastruct stuff.

4

Thanks for the replies. Lacquer thinner was suggested on another forum as a Tamiya extra thin replacement, so I’ll see how that goes (Since I always have the stuff on hand). As for Plastruct I’ll pick up a bottle of that to see how it works as a substitute for normal Tamiya glue.

Andrew

5

I use Plastic Weld, and the other formula, Bondene, on styrene, of course. No complaints.

6

Lacquer thinner is a pretty generic stuff, and different brands may have different mix. I prefer to buy something with exact makeup known.

7

I use the Bondene and havent had a problem with it at all. It works quickly and seems to have a secure bond after its cured.

8

Hi ;

Although I have used just about all brands for all types of plastic ,after fifty five or so years I’ve settled on one main brand , Available most everywhere .Testors Liquid Cement .

I do use Tamiya in the green lidded bottle and Bondene as well as the Plastruct versions .I still prefer TESTORS due in part to it’s availability most everywhere .

For Plexiglas or sheet Acrylic I use the recommended adhesives from the manufacturers . Plus when cleaned out the Testors bottles are great for storing Special Formula mixes . I mix a lot for clients models .

9

Testors!

I use Super glue mostly, though.

10

Plastruct works fine and is about the same as Tamiya Thin Cement. There is another one called Plastiweld which has the additional bonus of bonding plexiglas, I believe.