Definitions of Construction Terminology:
Fit
- Assemble parts together “dry”, using no glue, as friction between the fit parts alone should retain
the pieces within the assembly.
Tack / Tack Glue
- Use medium CA glue administered sparingly through use of a fine gauge glue tip
to place a small dot of glue to retain fit parts within assembly (non-permanent easily separated).
Bond
- Unless otherwise specified, use thin or medium CA glue and a fine applicator tip to thoroughly
glue parts within assembly along all mating surfaces.
Fillet
- Use medium or thick CA glue administered through a fine to medium gauge glue tip to build up
a trough of glue along adjoining parts. The easiest way to understand what a proper glue fillet looks
like is to go and have a look at the caulk that seals your bathroom shower or tub to the walls and
floor; your glue fillet should resemble this caulking. Fillets are typically used in high stress locations
such as motor or landing gear assemblies.
Harden -
When requested to harden a wooden part with glue we are suggesting that a thin viscosity
CA glue is applied liberally to an area (usually a mounting hole for a screw, exit point for landing gear,
or some other part that needs additional strength), allowed to wick into the fibers and pores of the
material, and cure.
Proper Use of Thin, Medium, and Thick Cyanoacrylate (CA) Glue
Follow the general tips given below for determining the proper use of the various viscosities and
varieties of CA glue as they relate to the construction of balsa and hardwood models. We suggest
the use of a “Top Shelf” CA glue such as Zap brand glues as they have proven more consistent in
formulation, working time, and strength than the wide array of budget glue products.
Thin
- This watery form of CA glue readily wicks into porous materials (such as balsa or ply woods)
and cures/sets rapidly (usually within 1-3 seconds of application). A fine gauge glue tip is mandatory
in regulating the flow of this CA glue from bottle to model. Thin CA glue is excellent at rapidly bonding
tight fitting joints and hardening areas of balsa wood. Thin CA glue is not suggested for bonding
parts that have minor gaps or spans to bridge, wrapped parts (such as sheeting), or when additional
working time is required. Generally an accelerator is not used with thin CA glue.
Medium
- A general purpose glue with good gap filling properties, fair wicking ability, and intermediate
working times (5-10 seconds). Medium CA glue is an excellent glue for temporarily bonding or
tacking parts together, filling minor gaps, bonding plywoods, creating fillets, and reinforcing high
stress areas of the model such as spars and motor mounts. A fine gauge applicator tip is
recommended to precisely apply medium CA glue. Accelerators are typically not used with medium
CA glue unless repairing a previously bonded joint.
Thick
- Generally not required for construction of our model kits, thick CA glue gives the user extra
working time (10-20 seconds) to properly locate and apply sheeting, build larger fillets, or fill large
gaps. Accelerators are generally preferred when making repairs with thick CA glue.
Accelerator
- Commonly referred to as “Kicker” and available in pump and aerosol configurations.
Good for setting glue rapidly when making repairs or to decrease the working time of Medium and
Thick CA’s. An accelerated glue joint is typically weaker than if the glue was left to cure normally.
Odorless / Foam Safe
- Often available in Medium and Thick formulas, this glue sets very slowly and
does not produce as many fumes when curing. Good for use in place of normal CA glue when the
user is sensitive to the fumes or has a CA glue allergy. Accelerators are almost mandatory to
decrease the working time of this product.
Sky Scout Floats © 2010 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.
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