What Adhesive Do YOU Recommend For Cast Metals...

CNE1899 Jun 6, 2022

  1. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Hi All,
    I am modifying a Z scale shell, it is die cast metal. I am also using parts made of aluminum and brass.
    What adhesive do you use to bond die cast metal to die cast metal and die cast metal to aluminum and brass.
    Thanks for your input,
    Scott
     
  2. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    two part epoxy is probably the only one to use ... others aren't as safe and reliable here ...
     
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  3. 7dmack

    7dmack TrainBoard Member

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    Just as, if not more, important is surface prep. Clean the surface with alcohol or other degreaser. Since it will be just a mechanical bond, lightly sand to give the adhesive something to grab. Especially the aluminum which oxidizes very quickly and leaves a powdery layer, not good for a good bond.
     
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  4. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    JB weld is good and machinable.
     
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  5. RailMix

    RailMix TrainBoard Member

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    Yep. Absolutely JB Weld. Good for almost everything. I've heard of it being used on everything from machine tools to engine blocks. Strong, machinable, sandable, etc.
     
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  6. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    All I need is a good glue to bond metal N scale kits together. A 2-part epoxy is severe overkill in that instance. I saw some Testors wood and metal glue on a dealer site I frequently use. Is it any good?

    Testors 3505X Cement Adhesive For Wood And Metal, 5/8 Oz. Tube


    I
    Hmm... is there any glue
    I can use on Kiz's big fat
    mouth...?
    [​IMG]
     
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  7. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    Depending on the loads the parts undergo, CA glue would probably work too. Thicker gel-type glues would work better, since they provide some amount of gap-filling ability. Two-part epoxy is also useful in that regard.

    I would avoid any of the Testors tube products. They are generally pretty beginner-quality.
     
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  8. Kisatchie

    Kisatchie TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Mr. Trainiac.
     
  9. Mr. Trainiac

    Mr. Trainiac TrainBoard Member

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    I use CA on resin kits, and it works pretty well. I see metal kits similarly, since you cannot form a chemical bond like you can with styrene cement. CA glue is pretty weak against shear stress though. if you're gluing detail parts on, they should ideally have some kind of pin you can stick in a hole on the shell. Using CA glue on a flush joint will not be as resilient. It's not as big a deal on longer joints, like gluing car body panels together, but for single points of contact, like detail parts on a steam locomotive, be careful.

    For larger metal components, it may be worth experimenting with solder too. Some metal takes solder better than others, and it may work for larger parts. Brass-to-brass solders well, but some of those generic white-metal alloy kits might not.
     
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  10. CNE1899

    CNE1899 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks to everyone for their input.
    I've used JBWeld and CA before, and I wanted to know what everyone else thought and what their experiences were, and if there were other alternatives to consider.
    On the Z scale camelback below, I used CA on the fireman's cover and a screw and JBWeld to attach the smokebox to the cab. The Wootten Boiler is aluminum sheet held on with JBWeld. The cylinders are also attached with JBWeld.
    Scott
    image_40037873(4).JPG
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2022
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