Glue and Adhesive Question

Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of adhesives to use when making objects like the ones depicted in my pictures? I've been using E6000 but find it increasing difficult to work with especially when I'm working on small, detailed creations. It's great for gluing big gears together and affixing things to bases, but for delicate work it is less than ideal. I've been very unhappy with the last few things I've made because they just look "sloppy" and I just can't clean them up properly. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I feel like taking my little VW Beetle apart and starting all over again - or maybe just starting a new one. If you don't understand what I'm talking about just take a look at that picture for an example.

I am most gratefully yours,

Steampunk Grandma

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Permalink Reply by Captain on January 21, 2015 at 9:37pm

Have you tried the various Zap-a-gap glues and kickers? These are a favorite of miniature figure modelers, jewelers, taxidermists, and amateur dentist. http://www.supergluecorp.com/zap/zap-glues/zap-gap

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Permalink Reply by Captain on January 22, 2015 at 11:12am

Welcome and pleased to make your acquaintance.

Personally I use a lot of the Zap-a-gel since it is thick and forgiving when it comes to filling gaps. The Zap-a-gap products do not dry as brittle as most super glues. The only problem with the Zap-a-gel is that the tubes will dry out after being opened so I usually buy several at once. The tubes are about $1.99 each at most hobby stores.

The kicker sprays are useful if you have tricky, unsupported parts that you need to set the glue to hold INSTANTLY. Do not get the glue on yourself when using kicker since it is a chemical reaction and can get hot enough to blister you.

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Permalink Reply by Steampunk Grandma on January 26, 2015 at 8:22pm

I was at the craft store yesterday and bought something called Quick Grip. Has anyone had any experience with it? It's a slow drying Superglue. You use a smidgen on only one surface and can position things a bit. You should let it dry completely for 24 hours but it is a lot less messy than E6000 and cleans up easily with acetone. Your fingers won't stick to each other either. I wore my ventilator today and it really helped a lot. I still want to try Zap-a-Gap but I couldn't find it at the store I went too.