Bob's TIP#1: Baking Soda and CA Glue

This is what I hope to be the first in a series of tips and tricks from my workbench. I thought it would be kind of a cool idea to share some of the things that I've learned over the years. I'm sure many of you will already know much of this, but for those of you who are just starting out, or even those of you with decades of experience who just have very bad memories, perhaps these will be of interest to you.

I typically use a lot of kicker as I tend to be a rather impatient builder. I goop the joints and then hit it with the kicker solution to set the CA glue off immediately. This works great and in most applications.

In some others, however, you might have a joint where there is a gap or hole that needs to be filled with a strong bonding agent. Body filler is great, but not perfect in all applications like this.

Enter: the Baking Soda!

One of the cool things about baking soda (other than the fact it makes for great cookies!) is that it instantly kicks off CA glue, making a concrete-like substance that can be drilled and tapped, sanded and painted.

To use it, just spread the baking soda in the joint, ensuring that there is not so much in there that the thin CA can't penetrate it fully before it kicks off. Using thin CA glue, put a few drops on the powder. If done correctly, you can actually achieve a really smooth surface finish.

WARNING: Curing CA give off heat.. sometimes a lot of heat. Be sure you don't use too much soda/CA at one time. Go in layers if you have a big gap to fill. Getting the glue too hot can actually melt plastic (or your fingers!). Be careful. If you use sparing amounts, and go in layers, you'll be just fine.

The resulting joint can now be sanded, drilled, tapped and painted, just like any other material, only stronger!

I hope you like this tip. Stay tuned for many more as time allows!

Check out the video of the process below: