Have been building models for about 55 years. Have tried almost every glue there is for wood models including epoxies, ca’s and industrials. Am not satisfied. When building R/C planes, I used to use a “Wood Glue” called Ambroid. If you crashed the plane, none of the breaks were at the joints. They were past the joint. This stuff was great but I guess because of the smell and the contents, it disappeared from the market. It was also waterproof. The latest stuff I’ve been using is Titebond. Works OK I guess but if it gets on any bare wood, forget staining it.
Anyone out there got a solution for me. Doesn’t have to be waterproof as I don’t sail any more. Just build scale.
I guess one’s preferences depend on what one’s used to. I’m a big fan of Titebond (and/or Elmer’s Carpenter Glue, which seems to be pretty much the same stuff). I find it to be extremely strong (far stronger than necessary for model building) and easy to work with, and the drying time, for my taste, is just about right for most purposes. When it’s still wet, it can be cleaned up with water; if you notice a spill before it dries, you can usually wipe it up with a damp rag thoroughly enough to avoid problems with stain. That’s not the case with Ambroid. (Maybe it can be cleaned up with acetone; I’ve never tried it.)
You might also try the variation of Titebond (or Elmer’s) that’s formulated for use on dark woods. It’s a medium brown in color; accidental missteps with it on woods like mahogany and walnut are far less conspicuous.
Thank you reklein. There are three “good” shops in my area but they don’t carry it. I do have a use for it in mind so I’ll keep on looking now that I know its still out there.
Thank you for your input Mr. Tilley. I’ve been using the Titebond for about 6 or 7 years. Didn’t know about the darker type. Will have to add some to my glue collection.
Have read some of your responses to questions on this forum. I have to say that I have learned a few things. Have also learned a lot from the magazine. Used to be a “stand-off scale” builder. From 5 or 6 feet away they looked PRETTY good. About 6 years ago, my wife bought me a “Scottish Maid” by Artesania Latina for Xmas. She wanted me to build it for our redecorated den with a beach theme. I decided to give it my all. Replaced some of the parts with aftermarket ones and some that I scratchbuilt. Bought quite a few books on shipbuilding and rigging. Halfway through the build, I started reading Fine Scale (COVER TO COVER). Things haven’t been the same since. Bought more aftermarket and made more scratchbuilt. I was also a LOT more careful with my work. Well, my wife says that its the best ship I’ve ever built. She had me build a shelf to display it on and had me put the shelf almost right inside the den door for all to see. Boy has my building changed. It is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it is the best I ever thought I could do. I’m now working on a R/C “Emma C. Berry” converted to a copy of the one in Mystic Seaport, without the R/C. My wife bought me a small lathe 2 years ago to help me keep improving.
Thanks for all the info and help you put on the forum for guys like me to read.
Ambroid cement is still available. Any hobby shop dealing with Wm. K Walthers (distributor) can get it. I haven’t tried to order direct, because most of the shops in my area carry the product. For wood models, I still prefer,and use either Elmer’s Carpenters wood glue, or Titebond. I believe Ace Hardware carries the Elmer’s, in a “glue pen”. About 5-1/2" long, and 7/8" diameter, it has a fine tip (1/32") at one end, and a broad (7/8" wide) applicator at the other. A plastic hypodermic syringe, with a blunt tip needle, can be used as an applicator for very small parts.
Don’tk now if it’s available at your side of the pond, but here I use mostly UHU Hart, it’s a tube glue that dries quickly and cristal clear. You have different sizes of tubes, but all are supplied with a plastic tip to apply the glue. I think you can also find it in the Graupner catalogue.
Sumpter, the “glue pen” is a new one on me. I’ll be around the corner from an Ace Hardware this weekend. Been using hypodermic syringes for a long time as a relative keeps me supplied. Thanks for the tip on the pen and the Ambroid.[:)]
DanCooper, haven’t heard UHU Hart in many many years. It’s been a long time since I bought a Graupner R/C kit that had UHU in it. If my senile mind serves me right, it was a pretty good glue. Guess I’ll just have to get a Graupner catalog and order some. Thanks for the reminder from the past.[4:-)]
Do you guys know that you can get Elmers in a brown color too? I used to work at HD and its carried there for sure. Its nice when your’e workin with mahogany or walnut. I suppose you could even simulate caulking with it too.