OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 (edited) I see mention here quite often of C/A glue. I know what it is but my first question is, what brand do most of you use? Then, once you've opened it and used the tiny bit you are going to use, how do you keep it from going bad until the next time you need it? I buy the cheapest and smallest tubes I can find because I never get to use it a second time. Also I know there is something called "accelerator" but I'm not too familiar with it. I've never used it. Anyway, I thought this might make a good topic for folks to react to and we all might get some information/advice on the subject. Also, viscosity is another question I have. It seems that the last batch I bought has the consistency of "snot". Sorry but that's what came to mind. Edited April 2, 2020 by octoolguy Dave Monk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 There are generally three weights, thin, medium and heavy or thick sometimes called gap filling. Accelerator comes in spray cans or sometimes in spritzer type containers. Used to use lots of it in model building when I was in model railroading. Some people keep it refrigerated to prolong it's life. OCtoolguy and scrollingforsanity 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I just keep mine in the cupboard. When I was doing pens, I use lots of it and bought larger quantities I kept it refrigerated. Now I buy the smallest bottles, one at a time. It has a pretty long shelf life, especially if you live in a drier climate,,, like me. OCtoolguy and scrollingforsanity 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I use CA glue that comes in bottle like this. It is easy to control and I've never had a problem with it drying out before it gets used up. As long as I keep the cap on, I'm able to use all the adhesive. It's a little more expensive, but there is no waste. Jim McDonald, scrollingforsanity and OCtoolguy 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 (edited) 33 minutes ago, Bill WIlson said: I use CA glue that comes in bottle like this. It is easy to control and I've never had a problem with it drying out before it gets used up. As long as I keep the cap on, I'm able to use all the adhesive. It's a little more expensive, but there is no waste. Bill, I bought that brand one time and for the life of me, I could not keep the tip open. I know I tightened the cap too. Do you do anything special to keep the tip open? Thanks for the info too. Do you know if they make an accelerator for that brand? Edited April 2, 2020 by octoolguy scrollingforsanity 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 When I finish with the CA I rap the container sharply on the bench or table. This clears the tip. Works best on thin CA. OCtoolguy, scrollingforsanity and Scrappile 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I just found an informative site regarding super glues. After reading it, I have come to the conclusion that the accelerator may be nothing more than water in an aerosol can. The super glue works with the humidity/moisture in the air. I'll bet they are just selling water to spray on the glue joint. Anyway, I'm a lot smarter about super glue now than I was an hour ago. tomsteve and scrollingforsanity 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl S Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 FYI, Accelerator is not water. at least what I use isn't. scrollingforsanity and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfold Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I use a bottle of the 'thin' stuff. It lasts ages and ages. Just remember not to knock it over OCtoolguy and scrollingforsanity 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 18 minutes ago, Karl S said: FYI, Accelerator is not water. at least what I use isn't. Thanks, I was just making a blanket statement after reading about how the glue works. I know that Gorilla Glue, not the super glue but the regular glue works on the addition of water. scrollingforsanity 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Fengstad Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I have used super glue that I bought from a hobby store. the super thin stuff is good for cracks and fragile scroll work items like standing grass or something like that .however it did harden in the bottle over time OCtoolguy and scrollingforsanity 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 23 minutes ago, Norm Fengstad said: I have used super glue that I bought from a hobby store. the super thin stuff is good for cracks and fragile scroll work items like standing grass or something like that .however it did harden in the bottle over time That's been my experience too. I have never done as Les mentioned though. I'll do that in the future. A sharp rap on the bottle bottom to settle it. I am going to try inserting a pin in the nozzle too. Can't hurt. scrollingforsanity 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 I squeeze the bottle several time to "suck" the glue out of the nozzle, before I put the lid on. In the old days I never bothered with a lid. But a lid is safer because it you tip the bottle over... I have heard it might pour out... Is you squeeze the bottle DO NOT look down the nozzle as you squeeze.... Takes forever to get you eye open again if you do.... so I am told. Dave Monk, scrollingforsanity and OCtoolguy 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsteve Posted April 2, 2020 Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 ive been using bob smith medium for years. dont seem to have a problem with shelf life- i have a 2 oz bottle in my shop i bought 2 years ago and its still good. scrollingforsanity and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2020 9 minutes ago, Scrappile said: I squeeze the bottle several time to "suck" the glue out of the nozzle, before I put the lid on. In the old days I never bothered with a lid. But a lid is safer because it you tip the bottle over... I have heard it might pour out... Is you squeeze the bottle DO NOT look down the nozzle as you squeeze.... Takes forever to get you eye open again if you do.... so I am told. The same goes for looking down the barrel to see where the bullet went. Scrappile, Foxfold and scrollingforsanity 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 I have four different wood glues in my shop but not CA glue and never have. What in particular are you using the CA glue for? scrollingforsanity and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 3, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 13 minutes ago, Dave Monk said: I have four different wood glues in my shop but not CA glue and never have. What in particular are you using the CA glue for? Every once in a while, I need to stick something together fast. And when I go to do it, I find that my c/a glue has dried up or I can't get it out of the tube. I've glued my fingers together too many times trying to squeeze a tiny bit out. I'm a veeeery slow learner. Dave Monk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackman Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 32 minutes ago, Dave Monk said: I have four different wood glues in my shop but not CA glue and never have. What in particular are you using the CA glue for? If you have something that you can’t put a clamp on or need a small item glued. Steve Good’s circus wagon is good example. OCtoolguy and Dave Monk 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrye Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 10 hours ago, Dave Monk said: I have four different wood glues in my shop but not CA glue and never have. What in particular are you using the CA glue for? Bad cuts and gashes OCtoolguy and stevan 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 (edited) 16 hours ago, octoolguy said: Bill, I bought that brand one time and for the life of me, I could not keep the tip open. I know I tightened the cap too. Do you do anything special to keep the tip open? Thanks for the info too. Do you know if they make an accelerator for that brand? I don't usually have any problems. I mostly use the Gel version. Once in a while I may need to scrape a little dried crust off of the tip, but I typically don't have trouble with it clogging. I think the key is the controlled release that you get with that type of bottle as oppose to a standard bottle or tube. I've never used an accelerator. Edited April 3, 2020 by Bill WIlson OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJay Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 I use CA glue quite a bit - have grown to use smaller bottles about the same size that has been pictured above a couple times - what's that old Brylcreem commercial? - a little dab will do you? - really don't have major problems with the tip clogging that aren't easily cleaned up - sometimes I do have to break dried build-up around the end of the tip with a pair of plyers - I also keep a bottle of solvent and also a spritzer of accelerant - don't use them often but when you want them they are handy to have. One key thing to remember about CA glue is that although it works quickly it is also brittle when its dry - so on almost all of my larger 3D woodwork projects that might take a bit of abuse I have grown to use both CA and yellow glue in alternate dabs. Should also ad that if you have a delicate piece where you might need to be careful about the amounts applied then put a larger dab on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard and use the end of a discarded scrollsaw blade to apply - much easier to put on a consistently small amount for delicate pieces. Jay Dave Monk and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxfold Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 On 4/2/2020 at 11:49 PM, Scrappile said: In the old days I never bothered with a lid. But a lid is safer because it you tip the bottle over... I have heard it might pour out... Oh yes it does That much I DO know OCtoolguy and Rockytime 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 OUCH! OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted April 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 6 hours ago, Foxfold said: Oh yes it does That much I DO know That looks terribly painful. I remember when you did that. Ouch! Is right. Foxfold 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolf Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 I have been using CA glue for years, I got tired of the small tubes not lasting. So I got serious. and bought a set of the three viscosity's thin , med and thick. Plus the accelerator ans solvent. Typically they last over a year before they start to go bad on me. When I really need some thing to hold instantly I spray one side with the accelerator and the glue on the other. One thing with all of the bottles, to keep them open. I make sure to squeeze the them when I am done until the nozzle is empty and wipe it off before the cap goes back on. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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