Is this same quality as Tamiya liquid?
No, it’s better. The best is Ambroid ProWeld liquid IMO. Tamiya is actually low on my list.
David
I like the Tenax better for certain things like large seams (I think many feel this way). Although it’s a bit tough to apply (it melts plastic pretty darn well so being sloppy pays a price) it makes a super strong weld. I haven’t used Ambro. I like the Tamiya Extra thin better for smaller pieces, easy to apply with the brush, and it produces a nice bond as well.
I use it all the time and have never had a problem with it
Thad
That, and with thin and thick CA is all I use.
Yes Tenax is better than Tamiya but it is much more toxic though.
So how exactly do you guys use it. I bought a bottle of it because everybody keeps saying how great it is, but I want to know the right way to use it first?
i don’t know if there’s necessarily a “right” way to use it, but many people (including myself) use it with the touch-n-flow applicator (available at great models and squadron etc. I believe). the applicator allows you to apply precise amounts to seams, joints or wherever and works reasonably well most of the time in my experience (it clogs sometimes but can be cleared pretty easily most often). basically it’s a glass tube (which you can fill with tenax or any thin liquid cement) with a needle on the end through which the glue can flow. in addition, if you want to brush tenax on you can as well but it can really melt plastic and evaporates quickly, so i prefer the touch-n-flow.
Touch n Flo is the way to go. Or if you have doctor friend, a syringe and hypodermic needle work great too. I have some left over from I was giving the wifey fertility shots and they are very handy.
I too don’t know about a “right” way, but I use a old, very small brush with a few bristles left. I just run it or dab it on the seam and it does the rest.
Wing_nut, I can almost picture you telling your wife that you can use any extras of these for your models and her rolling her eyes [(-D] Thanks guys, I don’t have anywhere to buy an needles, so I am gonna have to look into the touch n flo. I don’t have any brushes that are that old and worn out yet [:D]
I use the stuff too, Ambroids as well but I like the Tenax for its holding power.
Here’s a handy little guide to using the touch and flow and something else that makes it even easier, a single edged razor blade.
http://www.accurate-miniatures.com/builds/sbd/sbdbuild05.shtml
good luck to you!!!
I do that but with ambroid. I have Tenax but am waiting to try till Im finished with the Ambroid then Ill see which I prefer. Has anyone tried to use MEK from a hardware store? The price would sure be right 1 can would last a lifetime.
MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) will work as a plastic glue. However, you need to work an a well ventilated area. Plus the Flash Point of MEK is 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C) - and don’t ask how I happen to know that. Some modelers do use it as a cement/glue.
I’d avoid MEK for the reasons stated above—highly toxic and I think now listed as at least a probable carcinogen.
If there is a plastic fabricator or supply house in your area, they may have gallon and quart cans of various solvent cements. That’s where I get my SC-125. (I also use Tenax.)
ALL solvent cements should be used only with adequate ventilation.
Both Tenax and Ambroid say right on the bottle that they contain a chemical known to cause cancer I just assumed it was MEK. I guess that Im wrong in this assumption, but just for curiosity what is the chemical that they contain that is harmfull if it isnt MEK?
I found the MSDS. It’s methylene chloride, possibly with some additives to slow evaporation time.
Here is a useful link to MSDS information on the web: HMMS
I’m glad this came up—I’m going to check the evaporation time of Tenax vs. SC-125 (which is pure methylene chloride). If they are the same, I’ll never buy another bottle of Tenax! [:(]
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MEK is not a carcinogenic. The main danger is that it is readily absorbed into the body and may effect the central nervous system. It also doesn’t build up in your system. http://www.temarry.com/MSDS/Methyl_Ethyl_Ketone_msds.htm
I am in charge of the OSHA MSDS compliance at the manufacturing company where I work and have looked into this because we inventory the chemical and I use it personally.
Woody, you are correct—I must have been thinking of something else. Perhaps those of us with access to or knowledge of MSDS’s should make a habit of distributing that information here.
According to the MSDS, Tenax is 98 to 100 percent methylene chloride. I can’t locate an MSDS for it, but apparently ProWeld is, too.
Comparison of the $3 for 1 ounce price of Tenax and the $0.20 an ounce for SC-125, which do you think I won’t be buying?
Caveat emptor!!!