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Disassembly

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  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Carmel, ny
Disassembly
Posted by Vett on Sunday, June 27, 2021 2:34 PM

I've been building models for more than 60 years and have never taken one apart, now I want to rebuild a couple so my question is what is the best way to take apart glue joints with out breaking the plastic parts

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in central North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Sunday, June 27, 2021 2:45 PM

65 years here....

I sparingly use laquer thinner (from the back side if possible) on the afflicted area. Let it set for a minute or so then gradually work it apart.

Works for me.

 https://i.imgur.com/LjRRaV1.png

 

 

 
fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Sunday, June 27, 2021 8:24 PM

74 years here (started in 1946 at 6 years old)........

Have had some success with putting the model in the freezer overnight. In some cases, the older tube type glues have cracked with the cold and cleaning the joints with sandpaper was pretty easy. 

The method used above with lacquer thinner works too, but remember what he said above "sparingly",   and with good ventilation.

Jim Captain

Stay Safe.

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Monday, June 28, 2021 7:59 AM

Freezing and Lacquer thinner will work!

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Mansfield, TX
Posted by EdGrune on Monday, June 28, 2021 2:19 PM

If you used a tube glue like Testor's red label, it was a solvent glue with a plasticiser filler which slowed down evaporation  and helped fill seams at the same time (not very well), it may work by freezing.   

Superglues (CA) work great in tension but are lousy in shear.   Are you old enough to remember the guy hanging by his helmet from the overhead beam.   Not falling, but if you smacked the helmet on its side the bond would break.    You won't easily pull a CA joint apart, but if youi can impart a shear or twist the parts will likely separate.  CA debonders may work but are a hazard to the plastic surface - causing hazing and distortion.

True solvent glues; Tenax, Tamiya Green Top, MEK, Lacquer Thinner, and the like work by welding the two sides of the seam into a solid piece.   Just like welding two pieces of steel,  they won't separate easily.  Perhaps resorting to cutting.  More lacquer thinner may help soften a weld but the surface is hazarded like CA debonder.

Speaking of cutting, use a European razor saw to cut the pieces apart .  The saw is very thin.  Drag a corner along the joint until you have a kerf started then saw carefully to separate the pieces.   The problem here is you will loose locating pins - but they would likely be compromised by most of these methods.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, June 28, 2021 2:23 PM

Just buy some new models Devil

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Carmel, ny
Posted by Vett on Monday, June 28, 2021 2:35 PM

Thanks guys, I think I used CA at the time I'll practice on something I'm not too worried about first

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Carmel, ny
Posted by Vett on Monday, June 28, 2021 7:28 PM

Too your a lot of help, go away

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