" MEK Substitute "?!

Tenax or Weld-On#3

"Hawkeye"

Thanks for your glue suggestions.

I just purchased a small bottle of Tenax for trial use but do not recall seeing the other brand at my LHS.

My apolgies for poorly phrasing my question.

The hardware store actually stocks something called "MEK Substitute "

which- per instructions on the can- states it is to be used for any purpose that requires MEK.

Has anyone used the solute called: "MEK Substitute" currently available on the hardware shelves?

I do try to avoid things like that .For over forty years now , I have used TESTORS liquid glue . I have used others but , I don,t like them .MEK based stuff will not work for me .     tankerbuilder

We use MEK at work for cleaning purposes (pad printing machines) and found the "substitute" would not work - as well as being even more foul smelling the MEK.

We have not tried the substitute for guleing plastics though.  We were able to get MEK at another local store.  Any real reason you can't use the two glues mentioned?

Reid

OMCUSNR

We use MEK at work for cleaning purposes (pad printing machines) and found the "substitute" would not work - as well as being even more foul smelling the MEK.

We have not tried the substitute for guleing plastics though.  We were able to get MEK at another local store.  Any real reason you can't use the two glues mentioned?

Reid

Thank you for the interesting info on your attempted on the job use & odor of the MEK Substitute.

I've not yet attempted to use any of the glues mentioned as I am still in the initial stages of gathering supplies for my projects..

I am interested in purchasing MEK for three reasons:

1-  I have read in FSM threads that it does a very good job of bonding plastics

2- I have a lot of sheet styrene to laminate for armor projects

3- Cost- Today I paid $5.00 for a small bottle of Tenax  and nearly $5.00 for a small bottle of Plastruct liquid glue listing MEK as an ingrediant. The cost I stated for those small bottles of glue did not include the 9.5 percent

tax I paid to the local Illinois county for the privilege of buying the bottled glue.

The cost of a one quart tin of "MEK Substitute" is just under  $11.00; not including local tax.

A substantial cost difference.

Therefore my reason for asking if anyone has used the MEK Substitute for gluing styrene or any other plastic.

tankerbuilder

I do try to avoid things like that .For over forty years now , I have used TESTORS liquid glue . I have used others but , I don,t like them .MEK based stuff will not work for me .     tankerbuilder

Thank you !

I will place Testors liquid glue on my list of potential purchases.

I an interested in using whatever glue will prevent the sheet styrene from de-laminating while working on the plastic components.

Oddly, I do not recall seeing Testors Liquid Glue at the LHS in which I purchased the Tenax and Plastruct liquid glues.

I will check Hobby Lobby for Testors Liquid Glue next time I visit my local store.

OMCUSNR

We use MEK at work for cleaning purposes (pad printing machines) and found the "substitute" would not work - as well as being even more foul smelling the MEK.

Reid

Out of curiosity, what health / handling precautions do you take when using MEK on the job for press cleaning?

The posts I have seen on FSM gave strict health safety warnings.

Sprue-ce Goose

tankerbuilder:

I do try to avoid things like that .For over forty years now , I have used TESTORS liquid glue . I have used others but , I don,t like them .MEK based stuff will not work for me .     tankerbuilder

 

Thank you !

I will place Testors liquid glue on my list of potential purchases.

I an interested in using whatever glue will prevent the sheet styrene from de-laminating while working on the plastic components.

Oddly, I do not recall seeing Testors Liquid Glue at the LHS in which I purchased the Tenax and Plastruct liquid glues.

I will check Hobby Lobby for Testors Liquid Glue next time I visit my local store.

One of the main ingredients in Testor's Liquid Cement (Pink Label bottle) is MEK...

Hans von Hammer

 

One of the main ingredients in Testor's Liquid Cement (Pink Label bottle) is MEK...

Thanks, Hans !

Looks like many of the suggested glues contain MEK.

............and I'm back to searching for straight MEK -- IF stores haven't been ordered to stop selling it to customers.

Given what you've told me about the EPA (My opinions on THAT "Agency" can be found on another forum in another post), I'm gonna stock up on the stuff... Ace Hardware is my store, so I'll swing through there tomorrow... Thank YOU for the "Heads Up"!

I bought some MEK at Lowes right before Christmas.

Guess I better swing by there tomorrow and see if they still have it.

I use EMA Plastic Weld, as it's good for plastic, acrylic & ABS, or any combination of the 3!

Hans von Hammer

Given what you've told me about the EPA (My opinions on THAT "Agency" can be found on another forum in another post), I'm gonna stock up on the stuff... Ace Hardware is my store, so I'll swing through there tomorrow... Thank YOU for the "Heads Up"!

Unfortunately, ACE Hardware is only carrying the MEK Substitute

mitsdude

I bought some MEK at Lowes right before Christmas.

Guess I better swing by there tomorrow and see if they still have it.

 

Website still shows it ............guess I'm going there as well.

Jon_a_its

I use EMA Plastic Weld, as it's good for plastic, acrylic & ABS, or any combination of the 3!

Thanks for the info.

I don't recall seeing it in my local haobby shop, but I'll check for it in stores.'

You may try using acetone.  It takes longer to cure than MEK and that could be a problem for laminates but it did a great job of slowing down MEK for use as a general purpose cement.

As far as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when using MEK, I believe that ther MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) lists splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves, splash apron, and respirator with and organic filter.  I would definitely recommend such precautions when using MEK in large quantities.  If you are using MEK for modeling purposes, please be certain to wear eye protection (a smart move any time we are at the bench) as MEK can do serious damage if it gets in your eyes.  If you keep your working quantity of MEK in a small bottle with a narrow neck, vapors will not be much of an issue and you can decide for your self if you need a respirator.  As for gloves, I don't use them at the bench since the method of application keeps the chemical off of my skin anyway.

I am surprised to learn of MEK being in some glues, never thought of it being an ingredient.   But then I don't read the ingredients on the bottles either.    We use it at work to help remove aircraft fuel tank sealants and prepping an area to be resealed.   It was at one time removed from our authorized chems to use.  But now its back, we're about the only shop allowed to use it anymore.  I have noticed it stocked at our local Lowes hardware.  It is great for removing tough to remove substances when not diluted.

For PPE, you'll for sure need gloves made of neoprene rubber rather than surgical latex types.  It will remove the oils in your skin.  And definately goggles for the eyes.  Had some spalsh in my right eye one time while working on a plane, and it will make a grown man cry!! lol   Ventilation is also a must - got 'happy and giggly' due to it one time with my supervisor one time cleaning another fuel tank where ventilation was an issue. 

Hasn't anyone had a problem with the MEK eating the plastic? 

Mike

Weld-On #3 is an industrial solvent used primarily for bonding acrylic together. I've been using it for decades.

You should be able to source it from places in your local area that are industrial plastic and supply companies.

I get a year or more from one pint can. Its also available in  1/4 pint cans as shown above. I like to transfer small quantities to a working bottle so less is wasted due to evaporation.

HawkeyeHobbies

Weld-On #3 is an industrial solvent used primarily for bonding acrylic together. I've been using it for decades.

You should be able to source it from places in your local area that are industrial plastic and supply companies.

 

I get a year or more from one pint can. Its also available in  1/4 pint cans as shown above. I like to transfer small quantities to a working bottle so less is wasted due to evaporation.

Ah, yes!

Thanks for the photos, Hawkeye !

Now I recall seeing Weld-On in stores.

mitsdude

I bought some MEK at Lowes right before Christmas.

Guess I better swing by there tomorrow and see if they still have it.

 

Was just at my local Lowes.

So far MEK is in stock, but on CLEARANCE for $5.50 per gallon because Lowes is no longer going to sell it.

( and I just paid $4.40 plus tax for a teeny little bottle of Plastruct with MEK.

Buy while you can.

Sure am glad the EPA is looking out for my safety.

Hmmm.....wonder how long we can buy paint?

Screaminhelo

You may try using acetone.  It takes longer to cure than MEK and that could be a problem for laminates but it did a great job of slowing down MEK for use as a general purpose cement.

As far as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when using MEK, I believe that ther MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) lists splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves, splash apron, and respirator with and organic filter.  I would definitely recommend such precautions when using MEK in large quantities.  If you are using MEK for modeling purposes, please be certain to wear eye protection (a smart move any time we are at the bench) as MEK can do serious damage if it gets in your eyes.  If you keep your working quantity of MEK in a small bottle with a narrow neck, vapors will not be much of an issue and you can decide for your self if you need a respirator.  As for gloves, I don't use them at the bench since the method of application keeps the chemical off of my skin anyway.

 

While at Loews buying up their discontinued  MEK , I purchased a 3M respirator rated for MEK and heavy rubber gloves.

I already own goggles and a face shield .

Won't be working with it till spring as I need to set up a paint booth for ventilation, make assembly jigs, buy 4 view plans , make armor plate hull patterns for cutting sheet plastic.

Much obliged about the info.

I will be reviewing chemical data sheets and FSM archives for MEK safety suggestions.

As far as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when using MEK, I believe that ther MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) lists splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves, splash apron, and respirator with and organic filter.  I would definitely recommend such precautions when using MEK in large quantities.  If you are using MEK for modeling purposes, please be certain to wear eye protection (a smart move any time we are at the bench) as MEK can do serious damage if it gets in your eyes.  If you keep your working quantity of MEK in a small bottle with a narrow neck, vapors will not be much of an issue and you can decide for your self if you need a respirator.

Ah, Nuts...

The stuff ain't THAT toxic, fer cryin' out loud...  It's freakin' glue, not a Mustard Gas...

Hans von Hammer

 

 

As far as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when using MEK, I believe that ther MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) lists splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves, splash apron, and respirator with and organic filter.  I would definitely recommend such precautions when using MEK in large quantities.  If you are using MEK for modeling purposes, please be certain to wear eye protection (a smart move any time we are at the bench) as MEK can do serious damage if it gets in your eyes.  If you keep your working quantity of MEK in a small bottle with a narrow neck, vapors will not be much of an issue and you can decide for your self if you need a respirator.

 

Ah, Nuts...

The stuff ain't THAT toxic, fer cryin' out loud...  It's freakin' glue, not a Mustard Gas...

Hans:

No worries.

Consider it a legal "Disclaimer"

I bought the gloves and respirator mask for decanting the stuff.

Unfortunately, I always manage to spill liquids during such operations.

We use MEK in small quantities.  PPE consists of nitrile gloves.  No respirators used.

Reid

OMCUSNR

We use MEK in small quantities.  PPE consists of nitrile gloves.  No respirators used.

 

Reid

Thanks !

I bought the gloves and respirator mask for decanting the stuff.

Tsk, tsk....

*Sigh*...

Hans von Hammer

 

 

I bought the gloves and respirator mask for decanting the stuff.

 

Tsk, tsk....

*Sigh*...

You haven't watched me handling / transferring liquids.

Cheaper than a quarter or half-mask and filters too...