Beginners Introduction to Glue when Building RC Airplanes

This video introduces new builders to the types of glue commonly used in building balsa model airplanes.

[@chrishard7616]

All good advice. Thanks for explaining all the glues!

[@rcflyingwithrick]

Hi Chris, I'm glad you found it useful. Thank you for the comment. Rick

[@charleesmith2525]

Thank you very much Rick! This is the type of video I knew we should have made many years ago, but you have produced one much better than we could have done. It has most of the information we would have included, presented in a very concise, credible and professional manner. Charlee Smith Bob Smith Industries

[@rcflyingwithrick]

Thank you for your comments. I have been using BSI glues for years and it's a great product. I would never hesitate recommending Bob Smith products. Regards, Rick

[@michaelfergusonsr.8574]

Just started watching your channel. Great stuff

[@rcflyingwithrick]

Thank you for watching, hope you enjoy them all. Rick

[@chuckstarck1637]

Your Pacer/ZAP canopy cement that you showed is a great glue for foamy's. You can spread it around a rough ripped damaged area, multiple fitting the joint helps to spread also. It drys with elasticity and can be used to repair foam hinging. Doesn't take much. You do have a 24hour bonding time and if the glue joint is deep, I poke some holes into it so it can breathe and cure. It washes off your hands easily and you can wash any glue that slops out of the joint with paper towel and water. It's not brittle joining foam.

[@rcflyingwithrick]

I have heard modellers using the canopy glue for foam repairs, I personally don't have experience using it on foam. However it sounds like a good alternative to use for foam repairs. Thank you for mentioning it. Rick

[@michaelcasella4774]

I was also always told put CA that you’re not using or extra in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Great videos! I really enjoyed watching!

[@rcflyingwithrick]

It isn’t uncommon to store CA glue in a refrigerator, however it is recommended only unopened bottles. I use BSI CA glue and it has a shelf life of 2 years unopened. If you do put your CA glue in a refrigerator make sure it warms up before using. Thank you for watching, Rick

[@aidengriffen]

Great R/C videos Rick! Keep it going!!

[@rcflyingwithrick]

Glad you enjoyed it. Rick

[@grancanariaaeromodelismo3880]

Very useful video, congratulations!

[@rcflyingwithrick]

That's nice to hear that you found it useful. Thank you, Rick

[@txkflier]

1. There are a couple of downsides to 5-minute epoxy. It's rubbery after it cures and doesn't sand well at all. Also, it doesn't bond very well since it cures before it has time to soak into the wood. 2. Sig 30-minute epoxy sanded almost as easily as Sig-Bond Aliphatic glue. I used to use Hobbypoxy epoxy which took a bit longer to cure. It was very strong and sanded well. 3. I have never liked CA. It's brittle, impossible to sand, and seems to fail after a while. It goes bad before I can use all of it, and it would rather glue my fingers together than an airplane. 4. Always write the purchase date on glues, paints, fillers, etc. Don't buy more than you can use in the coming year.

[@rcflyingwithrick]

The following is a reflection on my experience of building model airplanes over a span of 50 years. During this time, I have utilized a variety of adhesives suitable for the purpose of model airplane construction. Each type of adhesive has its own merits and demerits, and every modeler has their preferred adhesive. I have personally used five-minute epoxy and CA glue with great success. These adhesives are reliable and strong, and I have not encountered any instances of joint failure. In fact, my KAOS model airplane, which is over 40 years old and has completed over 1000 flights, still maintains its structural integrity, thanks to the 5-minute epoxy. At the end of the day "stick" with what works for you no pun intended. lol

[@eansmith4925]

Thanks for sharing. What is the shelf life of ca after opening?

[@rcflyingwithrick]

I can't speak for all CA glues, BSI (Bob Smith Industries) CA opened is generally good for 6-12 months depending on humidity. I easily get 12 months even longer with my BSI CA up here in Ontario Canada. (stored in a cool dry environment really helps).