Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Glue etc. => Topic started by: Tom-C on January 07, 2025, 05:37:48 pm
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Has anyone tried using hot melt glue for planking? I am intending to try this on the first layer of double planking since its fast cure time mean clamps etc are not needed. It is on a Runabout (Aquarama) hull frame laser cut from 3mm ply, and the first layer will be oak, at 45 degrees to the keel. Plank edges will be glued with D4, as I have loads of it! Some bending is required, but not to extremes. Any comments for/against are welcome!
Tom
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I have found that in many cases hot melt glue on wood is not the best join.It tends to leave a thick layer of glue between the parts being bonded.It does not soak into the surface of the wood so the glue bond is not that good, it will easily peel away from the wood.If used for longer lengths of glue it will have started to cool down at the start before you reach the end and will not bond well.I would now only use it to glue EPO foam together, it's really good at repairing foam aircraft. Don't use it on styrene foam as the heat will melt the foam.
Jim
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I addition to what Jim said.
Because the glue does not soak into the grain, there is a thickness of glue between pieces of wood. This may affect fitting. Additionally, you may be limited to using acrylic or latex paints.
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Don't know anything about these, but they say they are for wood ....
SALKI Hot Melt Glue Sticks for Wood - Pack of 12 Melting Silicone, 12 mm Diameter, 95 mm Long, Amber Colour
(https://i.postimg.cc/8Fmmwkx2/61-SReg-RKn-ZL-SL1500.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8Fmmwkx2)
https://shorturl.at/ZzhRp
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Thanks for your comments, all making good points. As I am gluing planks to a frame, the surface area of meeting faces is small, so the soaking in is less of an issue. As to it how much it will peel off: if it doesn’t, and therefore holds well, it’s doing its job; if it does then it’s an easy debond and start again! I shall try it and see, and let you know the results.
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In my humble opinion I would not use a hot glue gun, problems have been mentioned by others, it’s a quick fix which will become a long term problem.
Take things slow and use a good waterproof glue and just take things at a slow pace, in the old adage: short cuts long delays
Just q thought
🥸
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:-))
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I use a hot glue gun when framing up and planking a "plug". If a plank appears to be "off" line it is easy to soften end realign. Also use it to spot fix articles prior to gel coating, every tool has its uses.