Glueing is Important
Glueing
technique revisited
BVM instructions include a chart (shown below)
that suggests what type of glue works best with each specific combination of
materials.
Our
models rely on the use of quality glues for sure, but the knowledge of which
type to use and how much to use is also extremely important.
Turbine power presents new
challenges to the structural integrity of our models and therefore the proper
glueing techniques are paramount to the ability of the airframe to handle the
increase in aerodynamic loads and "G" Forces. So don't skimp on the use of
glue, on the other hand, know that puddles of excess glue do nothing to improve
strength but do add weight.
Gluing Techniques - this is straight from any BVM instruction manual
Except for bare balsa and plywood, scuff all
mating surfaces to be joined with #80 grit paper. This gives tooth
for the glue to form a mechanical bond. If paint is on the surface, sand
through it. If fuel or grease are on the surface, first clean with acetone or
thinner, then scuff. Clean off all excess glue - no globs or puddles - excess
glue is excess weight. Epoxy resins that are designed to be mixed in a 50/50
ratio tend to stay soft and gummy if too much hardener is used. When using a
filler such as milled fiber or microballoons, always add the filler after the
two parts of the resin are mixed. Mixing milled fiber (BVM #1905) with epoxy
glue as supplied in the kit helps to strengthen the glue joint. Mixing
microballoons with epoxy glue will weaken the joint, but makes a fillet that
can be sanded.
For
laser-cut parts, lightly scuff the burned edges of these parts before applying
glue.
Glue Chart
| Surfaces to be joined | Glue preferences | |
| epoxy glass to epoxy glass | CA, epoxy, AeroPoxy | |
| balsa to balsa | CA | |
| plywood to balsa | medium CA, epoxy | |
| poly ply strips to fiberglass | CA | |
| carbon fiber to wood | CA | |
| carbon fiber to fiberglass | CA, epoxy, AeroPoxy | |
| composite formers to fiberglass | AeroPoxy or epoxy w/milled fiber | |
| plywood formers to fiberglass | AeroPoxy or epoxy w/milled fiber | |
| hardwood to plywood | AeroPoxy or quick set epoxy |
BVM recommends using high quality
adhesives like those produced by Pacer i.e. the ZAP products. Cheap glues
produce short lived and weaker joints.
The BVM Aeropoxy is best used for
very high stress joints where a thixotropic (won't run), slow curing bond is
desired. Wing and tail mounting and landing gear mounting systems are examples
of very high stress joints.