New Here, Have Some Questions

[Budgie999]

Hi, everyone!

I discovered that spacecraft paper modelling has a pretty big following just this week, after just getting into it. I recently finished Ton Noteboom's 1:48 Orion as my first model, and while it holds no candle to what Ive seen around here lurking, Im proud of it all the same.

Anyway, I just have some questions so i can refine my art:
1. Glue: what kind should I use? I used a combination of rubber cement and hot glue on mine, is that best?
2. Tape: Use or dont use?
3. I have planned in the future to build (hopefully) a 1:48 Soyuz spacecraft and launcher, but in addition to that, which is the best Ares-I (with orange insulated 2nd stage preferably) out there, for modelling and for resizing?

Thanks in advance, Budgie999

 

[inky]

Want to start of by saying welcome aboard, great to have you here.

As for answering your questions, you are going to get 20 different answers but it is really what you are comfortable using.

As for glue, I use just regular Elmers glue, it works great for me and I haven't had any trouble with it. I don't see spending all that money on expensive glues when Elmers does the job just as good. Elmers does have a new clear glue that I just started using and I like it.

As for tape, I never use it unless it is on the inside of a model and is not visible once completed.

As for the Ares-1, Alfonso at AXM paper space scale models has a nice Ares-1-x rocket, it is the white insulated 2nd stage but it is nice. http://www.axmpaperspacescalemodels.com/Ares1X.html

Lower Hudson Valley has allot of nice rockets, a few Ares-1's and a real nice and big 1:48 Soyuz. http://jleslie48.com/

Best of luck to you. Post pictures of your builds, we loovvveeee to see pictures here.

 

[Kiyoshi]

Welcome to the forums

When it comes to glue, I use about 5 different kinds at the moment.

For regular glueing wood glue (the basic white PVA glue without solvent, i.e. on water basis. I don't know about hot glue... I think that might be a literal pain to work with when you need to glue small bits)

For glueing larger surfaces: UHU Black, with solvent. The solvent means that there is no water in the glue, which prevents your cardboard from distorting.

For glueing A4 / A3 sheets: spray glue (but I am not a fan of this, because unlike the others glues I use, the pressure is a major factor in the over all result and I am not patient enough to let something linger under a pile of books for at least a day)

For glueing tricky stuff under tension: power glue (Cyanoacrylate) gel

For strengthening cardboard or just edges in general: power glue (Cyanoacrylate) liquid (but beware, it runs easily all over your model, spoiling the colouring)

 

[Zathros]

You should find out if the ink of your printer is Dye or Pigment in. Pigment ink will not dull, run, or fade like dye ink. I use ZIP DRY glue and a couple of different UHU glues. ZIP DRY well allow you to glue a steel pin to a plastic window. It is a glue, so the bond is mechanical, as all of these are. I personally do not se cyanoacrylates because of the long term build up in your blood stream. If you can small it, you are exposing yourself to it.

I have much respect for those who use white glue. That stuff just does not work for me. I will have to look at ELmer's clear glue. I do use the ELmer's construction adhesive for household use, but not for models.


The gel cyanoacrylate glue is incredible stuff. I fixed a pulley on my M.G. with Gel Crazy glue using an accelerant. It has held for over 20 years.

 

[inky]

This is the clear.

I have never used any other glues but Elmer's so that is what I am use to, If I ever do use one of the other glues I would probably like them better. Maybe some day I will break down and buy the good stuff.

 

[micahrogers]

I started with what I had which was Elmer's but my next pay check bout Aleene's Tacky glue and Zip Dry.

 

[Budgie999]

Thanks for all the tips and tricks, Ill make sure to keep them in mind in future builds

 

[Zathros]

ZipDry is amazing. Even after it sticks that parts together,it allows for some rearranging, as long as you don't go nuts on it, and it will stick things together, especially if you put a little on each surface, touch them together and you will see the stringy matrix form, and it is time to press and hold, Voila, they're glued! Using it on the inside of nose cones to strengthen them is also a good idea, especially the ball shaped ones.

 

[Vince]

This is the clear.

I have never used any other glues but Elmer's so that is what I am use to, If I ever do use one of the other glues I would probably like them better. Maybe some day I will break down and buy the good stuff.

I haven't tried the clear, but personally I don't like the school glue, or the Elmer's glue sticks. I stay to the regular Elmer's glue, it holds better than the school glue. I found the school glue tends to slip while it's wet, and the stick stuff, worthless for what we're doing. IMHO, of course.

 

[tjbmurph]

I'm, by no means an expert, but I use Aleene's Tacky Glue. I find it works best for me, but like others have said, you need to find something that you're comfortable with.