CA Glue and Accelerator Question

[Tom Geiger]

I use the "Extreme Power" thick CA glue as sold at Hobby Lobby. It's manufactured by a company called Adhesive Systems for them.  I used to use Zap-A-Gap but no longer have a local source.

I had an issue with a build when I used the above CA glue and used HobbyTown USA's Insta-Set Accelerator. It's made by Bob Smith Industries.  I was mating a Monogram Model A body to the fender unit.  I had prefit everything and it was fine.  I applied the above CA, then gave it a quick spray with the accelerator. Then suddenly one side was higher than the other!  Upon tearing it apart to check, I found that the accelerator had blown up the CA glue so it was a solid 1/16" or so thick, like a shim, which caused my fit issue.

My question... is this typical of CA glues with accelerators, my use of the thick CA, or maybe two different brands colliding?

Since then I've found I can use it to my advantage.  I will liberally apply the CA to a part, add the accelerator to dry the CA rock solid, then sand it down to the shape I need.  Beats using putty!

 

Edited November 3, 2019 by Tom Geiger

[peteski]

Interesting. Not exactly sure what happened there, but I doubt it is a compatibility problem.  Cyanoacrylate is cyanoacrylate.  I have had some accelerators cause such fast setting of thin CA that it bubbled and smoked, but never increased in solid volume.

I also use CA glue (sometimes with styrene shavings or talcum powder) as gap filler. It sure does beat putty.  But don't wait too long if any sanding is needed - after about 24 hours the CA (basically acrylic) becomes harder than the typical styrene, so sanding becomes a problem.

The BSI brand accelerator is the only one I use now (and I tried about half a dozen).  It has a low odor, it doesn't attack styrene, and it acts slower than other ones I tried (but still plenty fast).

I can't say I ever ran into the problem you have, but I seldom use thick CA. In most cases I use thin or regular thickens.  But I have used gap filling and thick CA on occasion (with accelerator) and never ran into problems. The thicker the CA is, the slower the accelerator works.

Also, I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, use the spray pump!!  Ever!  That is just way too messy.  My favorite accelerator applicator is Microbrush. Usually the small (white handle), but sometimes I use yellow or green ones (larger heads).  I open the bottle  and using a pipette I place a small amount into a thimble-size glass container.  Then, as needed, I dunk the Microbrush in the container , then apply the tiny bit of accelerator close to the glue area, the accelerator usually spreads out and contacts the liquid CA, then in few seconds the glue sets.  With the thicker CA I have to apply the accelerator directly to the CA.  Even if the Microbrush head gets contaminated with hardened CA glue, it can still be reused. Very small amount of the accelerator is needed to kick the CA over.  If I can no longer use the Microbrush, I just trash it and get a fresh one - they are inexpensive.  In some instances even use a wooden toothpick as the applicator.

[Tom Geiger]

On 11/3/2019 at 10:22 PM, peteski said:

Also, I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, use the spray pump!!  Ever!  That is just way too messy.  My favorite accelerator applicator is Microbrush. Usually the small (white handle), but sometimes I use yellow or green ones (larger heads).  I open the bottle  and using a pipette I place a small amount into a thimble-size glass container.  Then, as needed, I dunk the Microbrush in the container , then apply the tiny bit of accelerator close to the glue area, the accelerator usually spreads out and contacts the liquid CA, then in few seconds the glue sets.  With the thicker CA I have to apply the accelerator directly to the CA.  Even if the Microbrush head gets contaminated with hardened CA glue, it can still be reused. Very small amount of the accelerator is needed to kick the CA over.  If I can no longer use the Microbrush, I just trash it and get a fresh one - they are inexpensive.  In some instances even use a wooden toothpick as the applicator.

I do the same.  I think I used the spray pump exactly once!  Now I apply a drop of accelerator directly on the joint.

[Bainford]

Curious. I've not seen that before. I have been using CA and accelerator for years, both Bob Smith Industries products, and have not seen that reaction. I almost neve use thick CA though, just thin and extra thin.

Regarding accelerator application, I remove the lid from the spray bottle and use a pipette to apply a drop of kicker to the joint.