Hey Guys! Starting to work more with PE parts but running into some annoying problems. I have ran away from model cement ever since Tenax and Pro Weld have been available but as I feared they are no match for metal. What's the best route when glueing PE to itself and onto platic? I have CA and model cement but would be willing to get what's needed.

I think CA is your best bet. Two part epoxy might be overkill.

I use CA as well.

For metal to metal very thin CA. For metal to plastic Gator's Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue works very well. You can wash off the surplus with water.

For most items normal / thin CA but also give Gator Grip a try as marketed by our very own Gator (Kenny) over on Model Shipwrights. I use both as each has its good and bad points.
A bonus I found with Gator Grip is you can use it on canopies without fogging.

Thanks Guys!



Antoni,
Is that an instant setting or is it like plastic cement? Thanks again!

Mike its a acrylic super glue thats water based so can be clean up with water and you can slow down the curing time by adding a drop of water. Great stuff.
See my earlier reply for link.

The Gator glue is a liquid white glue. It holds everything great. I mainly do ships and the PE is very tiny and paperthin. Ca is a nightmare because it likes to stick to fingers better than anythng else. Like the others I use it and CA. I like the Gator better because it has some tack which helps in keeping the piece on after you get it in position. The slower drying also gives you lattitude for adjustments. Larger pieces i use the CA as it dries faster and you can keep the fingers away from the glue point. Great for Armor models

CA is a PITA. I use 5 min. epoxy for a very strong bond that makes a mess on my fingers - but hey! It beats getting them stuck together and having CA on your fingers for the next week. It is a bit annoying that you have to mix it, but I just wait until I have a few PE parts ready to glue to minimize waste. And Mark (md72) - when everything is painted and your PE breaks off... you can never have overkill.

SCOTT

Something I didn't see anybody mention was Future. The same stuff we use to gloss coat prior to decaling. I use it for small non structural pieces as it is self leveling, and will provide enough tack for small pieces to stay put. Readily accepts paint as well and will not fog canopies when attaching say a PE rear view mirror. Have used it for years and it works like a charm. I still use CA and epoxy where needed, but for the really tiny stuff, I break out the bottle of Future. Hope this helps. "Q" ;)