Glue

There are numerous glues out there, but what do you use and when? This is the start of a page that is intended to grow and grow. Also why not add your own ideas, questions and answers using our discussion page - follow the link below:

Cascamite

Trade name for a urea-formaldehyde glue. This is a waterproof resin based glue that comes as a white powder and is mixed two parts water to one part powder in a glass container. Note that it must be stirred thoroughly until it has a consistency of cream.

Cyanoacrylate

Perhaps more commonly known as "Super Glue" or "Instant Glue". Many different types fast set, medium set, slow set. Many different viscosities: thin, medium thick all used for different jobs. Slow sets are generally stronger.

Uses:

1. Paper
2. Cardboard
3. All forms of wood
4. Metal to metal
5. Metal to wood
6. Most plastics

Pro's

• Easy to use - with care
• Instant
• Strong

Con's

• Care needed to avoid sticking own fingers to item.
• The joints tend to be brittle.
• Sometimes glue sets too quick or can run where you don’t want it.

Epoxy

A two-part resin/hardener glue that is extremely strong. It is generally available in 6 and 30-minute formulas.

Uses:

1. Plastic to plastic/wood
2. Metal to metal/wood

Pro's

• Strong - note that longer setting time epoxy is often stronger and more durable.

Con's

• Difficult to sand - be careful if using it where it will need sanding to get a finish.

Paper Glue

Paper glue′s are available in many different forms, but perhaps the easiest and cleanest to use is the solid stick form. Most paper models may be assembled using this type of glue. Although, some of the more sophisticated may require a PVA type glue to be used for greater strength.

Uses:

1. Paper
2. Cardboard

Pro's

• Easy to use with paper
• Clean
• Safe

Con's

• None

PVA Poly Vinyl Acetate

A plastic usually abbreviated as PVA. A colourless transparent solid, it is usually used in adhesives, which are themselves also referred to as PVA or PVA adhesive.

Uses:

1. Paper
2. Cardboard
3. All forms of wood
4. Thin with water and use as a varnish
5. Thin with water and and apply to balsa wood edges to improve adhesion of coverings

Pro's

• Easy to use as it is slow drying.
• Good for porous Wood and close fitting wood parts.
• Clean
• Safe
• Strong
• Durable

Con's

• Difficult to sand
• Seals wood so that stain will not penetrate - apply stain prior to using glue
• Slow drying.
• Only strong when used on close fitting wood parts.