A question on superglue

I agree with Scott, on the small stuff, use a wire or pin and not the applicator. I've switched to Zap from Crazy glue, the bond seems much stronger to me.

QUOTE: guys can i use any superglue as a substitute for Tamiya cement? i'm new to model kits and i would like to learn more. :)

In most cases, yes you can. Cyanoacrylate ("Super") glues are general-purpose glues and will, within reason, stick most anything to most anything else. If you ever decide to use resin or photoetched parts super glues are about the only thing other than epoxy that will bond them.

QUOTE: I think you'll find everyone's infatuation with with Zap may be influenced by the fact that it comes in a bottle that doesn't clog easy.

I disagree for a couple of reasons. First, Zap bottles DO clog if you let them sit with glue in the tip. I usually stick a straight pin in mine (and leave a bit sticking out so I can grab it with pliers when it gets glued to the cap!). Also, Hobby Lobby has packages of "Precision Applicator Tips" that will fit on Zap and other bottles.

The other reason is that I've tried a number of different brands and Zap just seems to work better to me. I don't know why, I'm not a chemist, but in my personal experience Zap works better than the other brands I've used. Admittedly though, I haven't tried them all.

QUOTE: coz i saw this Loctite gel type at the hardware store this afternoon. it comes in a no-clog precision application bottle.

"Precision" for household use and "Precision" for modeling use are frequently different. I normally squirt a drop out onto a piece of masking tape and then use a straight pin, a piece of wire, or a finely-pointed piece of sprue to apply a TINY drop to where it needs to go.

coz i saw this Loctite gel type at the hardware store this afternoon. it comes in a no-clog precision application bottle.

I have used a variety of super glues and look for the ones with applicator tips that don't clog. The one I use most comes from the local hardware and has a brush tip on the cap. I think you'll find everyone's infatuation with with Zap may be influenced by the fact that it comes in a bottle that doesn't clog easy.
When I use super glue as a filler, I shave some of what I am glueing into a powder (resin, plastic) or baking soda and mix with the glue (slow set) to fill.

guys can i use any superglue as a substitute for Tamiya cement? i'm new to model kits and i would like to learn more. :)

yet another Zap a Gap fan. only thing I don't like is that it's a little difficult for me to get just a tiny drop out of the bottle rather than a bigger-than-needed one, but the glue itself works great, good for filling seams as well.

I'll join in the Zap A Gap CA chorus. I apply it with a thin piece of wire. Best CA for the modeler that I've found.

Regards, Rick

Ditto on the Zap-A-Gap line. I use the green bottle. Put a drop on a palette, transfer it with a piece of wire, toothpick, stretched sprue, what ever is handy. Add a drop of Zip Kicker if I need an absolutely right now bond.
The stuff will fill a seam quite nicely and sands down very smooth. It will be much harder than the surrounding plarsic or resin so some care should be taken not to take down the base more than the filler.

I second that opinion about "Zap". Also as per the previous post, there are regular ('fast') drying and slower drying ones.

Some work better than others. I don't know why and I'm not a chemist, but I do know that some work better than others. I personally prefer the "Zap" line by Pacer Technologies. It is available at most hobby shops.