[kitbuilder]

Not sure if this has been discussed in other threads but I'm finding that CA is causing my allergies to flare up. When working over my building board my nose starts to run and my eyes tear so badly the tear drops literally drop onto my glasses. It's like looking through a window covered in rain. In the bad old days I used ambroid and never had a problem. I like the instant bonding of CA adhesives but I'm going to have to stop using them. Are there alternatives that anyone has experience with and can recommend I try? TIA

[davidmc36]

It's not instant, but unless I really really need to do something right now I use mostly Gorilla Glue these days.

I don't know of anything as fast as CA.

[grizak]

CA isn't causing your allergies to flare up - you have developed a chemical sensitivity to it. It will only get worse with continued use. The effects are cumulative and can become very serious, very fast.

The same thing happened to me a few years ago - my sensitivity is so bad that one whiff of CA fumes will cause sinus infection symptoms that will last a week or more. I can only use CA if I use a full face mask respirator with some fans running in the shop.

I avoid using CA - work with mostly wood glues (aliphatic resins, Weldbond, some of the new quick set wood glues (Lepage Express), epoxy, and Hysol). These products aren't as quick as CA - but I find that my stuff comes out better, because these products bond better than CA (at least in most cases) and you have to take your time. Also - these glues change your building process, I usually have a few things on the go so that I can set something up with glue, and then move on to something else while the first item cures.

If your sensitivity gets worse - you should make sure to note it in your medical records, as CA types glues are often used in medical treatments and in the ER (Skin/tissue bonding was the original use of CA types glues) - and you don't want them to be used on you if you have a sensitivity.

Also - I've been told that the same thing can happen with some people and prolonged exposure to epoxy - so make sure to wear gloves and use good ventilation with all epoxies and adhesives.

[aeajr]

CA irritates tissue. Many people are sensitive to CA. When I first started working with balsa and CA I thought I was coming down with the flu.

One of the experienced members asked me if I had been using CA in an enclosed area. When I said yes he knew exactly what it was.

I now have two exhaust fans on my work bench. Basically these are bathroom ceiling fans that are sitting on the bench so I can position them where I need them. They are connected to flexible dryer hose that goes to vents in the window. I took out a 2 panes of glass, replaced them with Plexiglas with a hole in it for the vent. Same as a dryer hook-up.

Anytime I touch CA, epoxy, paint or other chemicals, one or both fans goes on and are placed next to the work to take the fumes.

The same goes for epoxy. Also toxic but the effects tend to build up over time. May not bother you today but it will in the future. And it will absorb through your skin. Bad!

When they say work in a well ventilated area the REALLY mean it!


In the photo below I think you can see one of the vent fans sitting on the bench. Silver box by the point of the flying wing.

[OntAeronut]

Years ago, I had the worst reaction to CA glue. It attacked my lungs and three times I had to go into the emergancy with breathing problems. I went to orderless CA glue for a bit, but it's quite expensive.

So, I have gone to another glue, it's new on the market over here, but quite popular in the UK. It's called Deluxe Materials Super Phantic glue.

It's like wood glue, but pours and wicks like thin CA glue.

Ontario Adhesives imports it, but I know a few hobby stores are carrying it. Give it a try, you will be hooked.

[aeajr]

Originally Posted by OntAeronut

Years ago, I had the worst reaction to CA glue. It attacked my lungs and three times I had to go into the emergancy with breathing problems. I went to orderless CA glue for a bit, but it's quite expensive.

So, I have gone to another glue, it's new on the market over here, but quite popular in the UK. It's called Deluxe Materials Super Phantic glue.

It's like wood glue, but pours and wicks like thin CA glue.

Ontario Adhesives imports it, but I know a few hobby stores are carrying it. Give it a try, you will be hooked.

Is it quick setting like CA or long setting like wood glue?

[Cricklewood]

I second the Deluxe Materials Superphatic. I don't think that Ontario Adhesives is the dealer anymore. I got some recently at the Great Hobbies store in Mississauga so I know that they carry it. When using Superphatic I assemble the items as if using CA and then apply the Superphaitc. It takes a bit longer to wick in but I believe that it produces a better joint, it retains a bit of flexibility and is not a brittle as CA. For items that I am gluing as I assembly them I use Titebond III or the LePage Express glue and am very happy with both of them.

Happy building.

[Cricklewood]

It takes about 20 minutes to set, though at the speed I build I normally leave it longer than that. Ed, I particularly like it for gliders as being water based it looses the weight of the water when it sets so I believe that it ends up being lighter than CA.

[OntAeronut]

Originally Posted by Cricklewood

It takes about 20 minutes to set, though at the speed I build I normally leave it longer than that. Ed, I particularly like it for gliders as being water based it looses the weight of the water when it sets so I believe that it ends up being lighter than CA.

Depending on the material it sets in 10-20 mins. So you pin and go, have a coffee and it's ready to go. Says on the label it looses 50% of it's weight due to evaporation of the water. I have used it on three planes, and have not had a single joint failure.

I know Great Hobbies sells it, ask around your hobby shops, I am sure someone has it.

[Cricklewood]

Horizon Hobbies is the US if not North American importer so Superphatic should be available through any of their dealers.