We have some kids building model rockets, where wood fins are glued onto cardboard tubes.
The typical glue used is ordinary wood glue, which takes FOREVER to set, making it really hard to get the fins on straight. (Yes, a kit would help, but it still takes forever). I'd like to find
a) something better
b) hopefully not expensive (but for competitions, expensive could be OK if it was really good stuff)
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) is NOT recommended, since the rockets get hot and can melt that. Also hot melt glue is not recommended.
So what could be a good glue? Can't be truly instant, since the kids need a bit of time to get things set in place. It could be cyanoacrylate gel IF it was a high temperature variety. I did see a Titebond molding and trim adhesive, supposed to set more quickly than ordinary wood glue, but it was not clear if it would make a big difference...
The typical glue used is ordinary wood glue, which takes FOREVER to set, making it really hard to get the fins on straight. (Yes, a kit would help, but it still takes forever). I'd like to find
a) something better
b) hopefully not expensive (but for competitions, expensive could be OK if it was really good stuff)
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) is NOT recommended, since the rockets get hot and can melt that. Also hot melt glue is not recommended.
So what could be a good glue? Can't be truly instant, since the kids need a bit of time to get things set in place. It could be cyanoacrylate gel IF it was a high temperature variety. I did see a Titebond molding and trim adhesive, supposed to set more quickly than ordinary wood glue, but it was not clear if it would make a big difference...
No concern about heat since a properly designed model rocket's exhaust flame will be below the fuselage, and the engine will be mounted in an engine tube which prevents heat transfer to the fin joints. The joints are pretty well air cooled too... 😛 I've built many rockets using all kinds of glue. Many fins came detached, but never due to heating the glue. 😀
CA is a great tool, but make sure you vent the fumes to avoid the glue irritating eyes and mucus membranes. Using neoprene gloves is also probably a good idea with kids. Even the smart ones will try stunts to show off so warn them about the dangers. Get a good brand of glue, like Bob Smith or ZAP. I'd use medium.
A really good wood glue like Titebond 1 is pretty good for this type of application. I think it dries faster than "model airplane cement." Just apply thin coat to each surface and let it tack a little before joining. Within a minute it will hold, especially in warm temps.
Have fun!!
CA is a great tool, but make sure you vent the fumes to avoid the glue irritating eyes and mucus membranes. Using neoprene gloves is also probably a good idea with kids. Even the smart ones will try stunts to show off so warn them about the dangers. Get a good brand of glue, like Bob Smith or ZAP. I'd use medium.
A really good wood glue like Titebond 1 is pretty good for this type of application. I think it dries faster than "model airplane cement." Just apply thin coat to each surface and let it tack a little before joining. Within a minute it will hold, especially in warm temps.
Have fun!!
Hi,
Two part quick setting epoxy will do the job.
There may be better but its very cheap.
Its about 1 hour to set but leave it about
15 minutes before assembling the parts.
You cab use licked fingers to manipulate
its shape as it sets, getting a lovely joint.
After about 30 minutes its so thick only
minor adjustments are possible, but still.
rgds, sreten.
Time scales are very approximate, in reality
its obvious when wet fingers work, and later
when that doesn't and you can only move
it a bit without separating the two parts.
Two part quick setting epoxy will do the job.
There may be better but its very cheap.
Its about 1 hour to set but leave it about
15 minutes before assembling the parts.
You cab use licked fingers to manipulate
its shape as it sets, getting a lovely joint.
After about 30 minutes its so thick only
minor adjustments are possible, but still.
rgds, sreten.
Time scales are very approximate, in reality
its obvious when wet fingers work, and later
when that doesn't and you can only move
it a bit without separating the two parts.
Last edited:
Crazy glue. Bring the bottle with you when you launch the rockets so you can glue the broken off bits back on and get right back to the fun.
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