Glues: Whats the best?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have been using Tenax-7R for a couple of years for my styrene models. I just learned that its not available anymore. What do you guys suggest as a substitute? I like to use the A-West needlepolnt bottles for applicators. Thanks gang. David

2

David,

[#welcome] To The Forums. Something to read:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/225288.aspx

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/225203.aspx

Frank

Edit: sometimes making clickable links is hit or miss, with our new software on prior threads. Obviously, I missed. But you should get it, by typing it in.

3

I just picked up a bottle of the Tenax 7R, I had no idea it was being discontniued. I also like using the Testors Plastic Cement, bond time is a little slower though.

4

David:

Try this: http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=same+stuff+professional+plastic+welder+refill%2C+2+fl.+oz[.](http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=same+stuff+professional+plastic+welder+refill%2C+2+fl.+oz.)

Joe

5

David,

Welcome to the forum. Like you I came from the model styrene world. Many are quite passionate about their choices. To me it depends. I like Tenax for its quick set and quick evaporation. I use the Testors in a bottle with a brush when I may have to adjust something and need a slower set up time. Superglue, Plastruct, and Ambroid have their places too. Experience will help you find what is best for each application. It all depends on what you are joining. Always read the directions and always use good ventilation to dissipate the fumes.

Happy modeling,

Bob

6

It really depends on what you are gluing.

  • Wooden structures - wood glue
  • Styrene - MEK (It’s cheaper than the model cements)
  • Dissimilar materials - CA (Super Glue), liquid and gel
7

I’ve had good luck with “Same Stuff” from Micro-Mark

Mike

8

I use a variety of glues from Super Glue and Elmer’s white glue to Liquid Stitch. It all depends on what materials I’m trying to glue together. I’ve even used ModPodge in some cases…

Tracklayer

9

Dave

Our Local Hobby Shop has a case of Tenax in stock as well as the Plastruct glue.

Tenax HAD been out of stock for a year or two but Walthers still shows it in stock

SO it is AVAILABLE right NOW!

BOB H - Clarion, PA

10

My favorite styrene cement is Ambroid PROWELD. For ACC I use Zap products: both ZAP-A-GAP Medium CA+ and SLO-ZAP Thick CA depending on requirements. For epoxy I use Devcon 5 Minute or Pacer Z-poxy 30 Minute Formula when a longer setting time is needed.

11

I never really cared for Tenax for styrene (rare times when assy of acrylics would use it).

You can have so many recommendations as to what glue should be used as it becomes more of an issue of personal preference and user technique. In my experience I have come to like Faller Xpert and Testor’s Model Master for the majority of “normal” kit assembly. I prefer these due to the viscosity of the cement (just slightly thicker than the water fast dry) and the needle applicator which you find handy in the A-West product. Whether bonding a pinpoint or exteremely long joint the Faller or Model master allows for added time in positioning the parts yet does give a quick hold for the parts and an very solid joint once dry. Slight excess that may ooze or happen on the finish can be quickly wiped off w/o any real damage or marring of the factory finish.

I do, however, like to use Liquid Testors or MEK for large joint or layer bonding generally used for large structure or laminating sections or layers of styrene.

I imaging you will receive all sorts of recommendations and you may take your pick.

12

Thank you guys for all the great tips. The dealer at one of my lhs told me that they stopped making Tenax about 6 months ago. Whether or not thats true remains to be seen. But as always I truely appreciate the help. I am relatively new to model railroading and welcome all input. Thanks gang! David