Cleanly cementing styrene

[peteski]

In addition to the methods already mentioned I often use the white (smallest) MicroBrush.  They are also solvent-resistant.

[Philip H]

In addition to the methods already mentioned I often use the white (smallest) MicroBrush.  They are also solvent-resistant.

That was the one I was thinking about when I wrote my post.  The light green ones work as well.

[tankcar]

I use Testors on thin styrene, it evaporates very fast so it want come out the edges. I use several sizes of brushes and apply the glue in the middle of the two parts.

Bobby

[wazzou]

I use MEK or Testors for the heavy lifting.  I like Tamiya extra thin cement, particularly for the applicator.

[bbeegle]

Hi,Where do you buy MEK? Is the odor as bad as I've read?
Thanks,Brian

[DKS]

Hi,Where do you buy MEK? Is the odor as bad as I've read?

Owing to the fact that it's used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, MEK can no longer be sold at home improvement stores and such. It's been replaced with an "MEK substitute." I have not tested the substitute to see if it has the same bonding properties as MEK, and I'm not sure if I will since I got an instant headache from it--which I never got using MEK. IMO, MEK did not smell all that bad, but the substitute is awful.

You can still find sources of MEK through eBay.

[timwatson]

Like DKS said the MEK substitute is AWFUL but it does bond styrene just as well as old MEK. It's what I use. I kept my tenax bottle and refill it. Also the miniature syrup bottles from Cracker Barrel work for this very same thing. I apply it with a hair based brush these days and run across the seam quickly.

[peteski]

Weird. I Still saw quarts of MEK in a hardware store fairly recently (in Massachusetts).  Does anybody know the chemical name of the MEK substitute?

[pnolan48]

Pete,

The stores are allowed to sell off their stock of MEK. And it's the EPA that's put on the restrictions. That, to me, is interesting.

The substitute is ethyl acetate, or methyl acetate--I truly believe, after a quick web search, that no one really knows. My research indicates that the substitutes are far more toxic than the original. And I think some stores (ACE) are selling methyl chloride (that's how it's labelled) as a substitute--now that's really bad stuff.

[bbeegle]

Thanks for your help,I found MEK at my local hardware store,I really like how it works.
Brian

[peteski]

Pete,

The stores are allowed to sell off their stock of MEK. And it's the EPA that's put on the restrictions. That, to me, is interesting.

The substitute is ethyl acetate, or methyl acetate--I truly believe, after a quick web search, that no one really knows. My research indicates that the substitutes are far more toxic than the original. And I think some stores (ACE) are selling methyl chloride (that's how it's labelled) as a substitute--now that's really bad stuff.

Interesting.
Ethyl Acetate has been used for many years as the main ingredient in non-acetone nail polish removers. If ladies can smear this stuff on their gentle fingernails and skin, can that stuff be that dangerous?  Few years ago I bought a gallon of this stuff to see if it works as a paint stripper for plastic models (I haven't actually tried it yet).  Looks like I have to be cautious as it might dissolve styrene. 

MEK is also quite toxic, but used in the small amounts we use it as adhesive, it is fairly safe. After all, MEK is sold as liquid cement by model paint companies like Testors. 

If the other item you mentioned is methylene chloride then yes, it is also a toxic chemical. But is is also widely used in the industry (as acrylic cement) and in hobbies (that is what Tenax and Ambroid plastic cements are). So again, used in small amounts and with common sense, it should be safe.

But these chemicals all have different evaporation rates which makes them suitable for different tasks.   MEK evaporates rather slowly compared to methylene chloride.  Each one (at least for me) has a different application.

[tankcar]

It WILL dissolve styrene!!!! It's a debonder for ACC..

Bobby

[DKS]

It's a debonder for ACC.

I believe acetone is the most widely-used CA debonder.

Ethyl acetate is considered to be low toxicity, much lower than MEK.

[tankcar]

You're right, I miss read the name. The only excuse I have is my age.

[Bangorboy]

One observation about the Touch'n'Flo ...   I messed mine up temporarily (I was able to fix it) by holding it against the stryrene too long and pushing it back and forth.  The dissolved styrene plugged the end of the fine needle!  Like nobody could see that coming!

I suggest if you feel the need to add more solvent of any kind to the joint, always tilt the Touch'n'Flo and move the tip toward the direction of the tilt, so the side, not the open end, of the needle is being pushed along.  Otherwise, mine works like a charm and I use if a lot.

Micro-Mark sells the Touch'n'Flo, yes.  It's a cheap item that I use more than any other tool I've got. 

http://www.micromark.com/touch-n-flow-applicator,7841.html

Bill B
N Scaling in South Okaloosa