CA is a bugger to work with…it often bonds to quickly, but sometimes takes way longer to set up than expected.

Some years ago I bought these CA glue applicators from RB Productions – I don’t think they are still in business. As you can see, I’ve only used one from the fret of six provided.

It works well with medium CA to apply it with pinpoint precision. The CA does build up and needs to be frequently cleaned. Now instead, I like using thin CA with an old round pointed paint brush, but the same: the bristles will glue themselves solid in no time. However, I have a solution for that – see Category: TIPS MODELING/QUICK TIP BRUSHING THIN CA.

ANOTHER TIP: When using a brush with thin CA, I find it’s good to keep the bristles in the glue when not brushing to prevent them from bonding solid.

So, I haven’t used the hi-tech applicator in a long time. I do use another hi-tech tool all the time though…

A good old tooth pick with one end carved to a four-faced pyramid tip and the other with two flats as a duckbill. The pointed tip is for general use and targeting areas; the duckbill is handy for applying CA in between two long-ish parts that have been tacked together at one end. I use these with medium CA. I take a fine file to clean up excess hardened CA when needed.

I frequently use 5-Minute epoxy when I need some time to position parts.

I also make use of a hybrid epoxy/CA approach – an example of this is adding the cross members and cross ties to the underbody of this Westerfield B&O M-15H box car kit. These parts were epoxied at the end that attaches to the side sill. I had ample time to fuss with them for position and once set I secured the opposite end to the center sill with the thin CA brushed-on method. Each side was done separately.