Well, since Testors cements have been mentioned several times, here is what their MSDS shows: Testors Quick Dry Liquid Cement for Plastic Models (3507) Is xylene (45-50%), ethyl benzene (10-15%), n butyl acetate (20-25%), aromatic hydrocarbon (5-10%) Testors Liquid Cement For Plastic 3502 and 3520 Is ethyl acetate (35-40%), MEK (35-40%), propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (25-30%), oil of mustard (allyl isothiocyanate) (less than 0.5%) Testors Model Master Liquid Cement For Plastic Models 8872 Is xylene (45-50%), ethyl benzene (10-15%), n butyl acetate (20-25%), aromatic hydrocarbon (5-10%) Testors Non-Toxic Liquid Cement For Plastic Models 3527 Is d-Limonene (85%) This last one is their newest product-environmentally friendly-made from orange peels. Anybody know how well this works?
The Plastruct Weldene has a strong citrus smell is marketed as being environmentally safe yet does carry a flammable label. May very well be a similar product and so far it appears to do the job and is thin enough to have decent capillary action.
While out today I stopped at the local home depot. Found none of the brands referred to in some of the internet chatter but I did come home with a small, less than a pint can, of Oatey regular clear PVC cement. It does contain the MEK. Tested it on some scrap plastic and found that it does not have capillary action due to what is probably the addition of PVC resin that makes it a bit to thick for that. So not a suitable substitute for the Amroid but could work in a pinch for regular glue. I think the key is to find something that contains the MEK but does not have any type of plastic resins added so it has good capillary action. That little foray ends my search for anything that is a substitute. I will stick with my Plastruct products and maybe I will run across some Tamiya clear at some point and give it a try.
Plastruct is completely different from all the others. It is hard to say exactly what it is, but here is what the MDSD shows: Is a polystyrene solvent adhesive It is a mixture of polystyrene resins and organic solvents The exact formula is proprietary, but it contains no carcinogenic ingredients It contains approximately 60-85% Dipentene Turpene Hydrocarbon (pine oil) Bonds quickly. Sets in minutes - bonds permanently in hours. Special NON-TOXIC formula. It evaporates quickly and forms a welded joint; one as strong as the surrounding plastic. Apply with a small brush or blunted syringe-type applicator. Capillary action will spread it the length and breadth of the joint for a continuous solid weld. Weldene works ONLY on Styrene
I tried the Weldene and the product I got from home depot on some scrap styrene as I said earlier. After 24 hours of set time with both unfortunately they pulled apart without a lot of effort. So back to the drawing board. If I can find some Tamiya I will try that also.
ProWeld.... I just found a hobby store in Cali that has only a couple cases left. $4.95 a bottle, plus shipping. Cost me $16.70 for 2 two oz bottles shipped via Priority Mail. I just ordered it over the phone. GET yours while this store supplies last ( which wont be long once people find out they have some ). Burbank's House of Hobbies 911 South Victory Blvd. Burbank, California 91502 818-848-3674 Store Hours: (Pacific Time Zone) Mon-Fri 11-5:30 Sat 10-5 Sun 12-4 They also have a web site, if you want to get your order in that way.
Works for me. I ordered off the website and received confirmation today that my order was in route via priority mail. Should be back in business this week end. Soon as the Proweld arrives I will take the extra bottles I ordered and seal the lid with tape and wax and place them in storage. Meanwhile I will continue to look for the Tamiya to test it out.
