I have a question , is the touch and flow tool a good way to go? I have been trying to find a better method of applying Tenax to my seams on builds other than a small brush. My hands aren’t in the best working order and I sometimes make a mess with even a tiny brush. I have just recently read some posts on another forum about using the T-F tool. Can anyone please describe how this tool works. How does one fill it with Tenax and such? I am diabetic and have several old syringes setting around. Could these be used as an applicator in some way? Thanks in advance for any input from you folks!!!
I’m 61 and my fine motor skills aren’t what they used to be. They seem to be improving the more builds I complete, but I’m looking forward to responses from the many experienced builders in this forum.
I appreciate TankBusters putting forth this question.
I love using this tool cause you have full control of where and how much glue to use. You can even get into tight otherwise impossible spot to reach. The syringe route will probably work as a one time application since the glue will probably lock up the sliding plunger.
Simply place the none needled end of the tube in the glue bottle and the tube will siphon the thin glue into it, then turn it around and will feed out the needle end. Flow is controlled by how steep you hold the tube. Easiest way to clean out the tool just simply touch the tip on a piece of paper towel to wick the glue out of the tool.
I started using the TNF on my latest build and won’t go without one now. It’s extremely easy to use and will get into areas that other methods won’t.
The advantage is the ability to essentially “draw” a line with the weld of choice along a seam line. I would recommend watching Hawkeye’s tutorial online (http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/) as he explains really well how to use it. One of the advantages of using on is that it will only release the plastic weld when held upright, and won’t spill once filled. If you can hold a pencil or pen without issue, then you should be able to handle it without any problems.
I started using the TNF about a year ago after seeing many posts about it and viewing Hawkeye’s excellent tutorial. It’s one of the best modeling tool investments I’ve made.
A couple of things I’ve learned are to clean (bleed) all the dope out of it before putting it away; the slightest amount of residue will clog it, requiring a tedious soaking and stroking of the tip in MEK or your solvent glue to open it up again. Second, pay attention the the tip before you apply your “glue” because a drop can form on the tip, which results in a surface burn when you first touch it to the seam.
That said, I wouldn’t be without it. All the best;
You can use very thin electrical copper wire to try to clear the needle passage. Some wires are as thin as a human hair. I just strip off the plastic casing.
Like I stated previously, as soon as you are finished using it stand the TF applicator straight and let the tip touch a piece of paper towel, it will wick out any left over glue. You can use some lacquer thinner thru the applicator to be certain that all the glue was removed. I have used the paper towel method multiple times and my TF works great. Only one time I had to use the Lacquer thinner .
I’ve had luck soaking the tip in pro-weld and using a fine electrical wire (it’s tedious but it works). I’ve also heard of other people using a match or lighter to gently heat the tip and melt any plastic inside but I haven’t tried it yet.
It’s a bit more involved than picking up a bottle with a brush fitted to the lid, but it’s invaluable for those long visible seams that you want to make a good job on, it’s also handy for small parts & difficult to reach areas.
sure thing. try it here (http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/). I found this to be an extremely good source for using the TnF. Hope hawkeye doesn’t mind me posting it!
Hey guys, I tried using some of my used syringes ( being diabetic NOT an addict, I think [;)] ) I drew up a small amount of Tenax and then pulled the plunger completely out of the syringe. I proceeded to weld two pieces of sprue together by slightly pressing the needle between the sprue pieces and running it along the seam. I thought that I now had a home made TnF… I was elated. I even wicked the remainder into a paper towel… Within a few moments I tried to push the plunger back into the syringe body, yah right!!! It didn’t happen. I tried to do this again with a fresh, used syringe, only this time I quickly used my solvent ( Acetone) to clear the needle by drawing up solvent and squirting it through the needle. Has anyone tried this with possative results? I am assuming that the actual Touch n Flow is made of glass and not plastic, I realize that Acetone eats most plastic for lunch, but I didn’t leave it in the syringe long enough for that to happen… Should I just admit defeat and spring for a Touch n Flow or two? Also, Is there an easy way to fill the TnF, I thought I saw some sort of bottle and needle set up for filling it??? HELP!
TnF are made of glass and a stainless steel needle…the needle is held in place with an epoxy plug.
You can fill a TnF in a couple different ways. One is to use a paint pipette cut to fit the end of the glass tube so you can squeeze the bulb to draw solvent into the TnF. You can backfill using a bottle which you fill using a eyedropper.
The folks that make the TnF offer a starter kit which has everything you need including some of their solvent which is pretty good stuff, just not the hottest on the market compared to Weld-On #3.
My answer to the TnF clogging issue has been to apply a match or lighter to just the end of the needle. DO NOT HEAT NEAR THE GLASS PORTION! It should only take a second or two, and you will likely see a tiny flame or a bit of smoke as the clog burns off. Wait before plunging the end back into your solvent so it may cool. I have been using the same TnF for a couple of years!
I suggest you stop this practice as every time you heat the needle you are melting the epoxy plug that bonds it to the glass tube. The heat transfers through the needle very efficiently. Also heating the needle takes the temper out, you’ll get a big surprise when the needle folds over on itself or the end mashes itself shut when any pressure is applied to it.
If your needle is plugged, simply soak it in the solvent you are using by standing it up in the bottle, needle down.
I’ve got a Touch N Flow that has consistently leaked since I got it. I’m wondering if it is a bad unit or if they all do this?
I put some Tenax in the TNF, place my finger over the top of the pipette, and drips continue to form at the end of the stainless needle. It is still effective, but based on my old science classes, I’ve got to believe that I’ve got an air leak somewhere.
Sound normal or do I have a bad unit? Other observations?