There's nothing scary about soldering ! Practice on a few scraps, make sure the the wires are hot enough for the solder to flow as soon as it touches the wires and you are good to go. Here is the old reliable Western Union splice which can work cold:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Union_splice
Search found 299 matches
- Mon Nov 15, 2021 2:34 pm
- Forum: Lighting & Electronics
- Topic: Alternative to soldering wires for lighting
- Replies: 10
- Views: 62962
- Wed Nov 03, 2021 10:03 am
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Plastic options for making a large-ish sign
- Replies: 15
- Views: 36823
Re: Plastic options for making a large-ish sign
Another option is metal faced corroplast-
https://www.laminatorsinc.com/sign-pane ... /alumalite
It's used for a lot of signage, and is available in a brushed silver finish. I second the idea of vinyl letters- they are pretty much industry standard these days.
https://www.laminatorsinc.com/sign-pane ... /alumalite
It's used for a lot of signage, and is available in a brushed silver finish. I second the idea of vinyl letters- they are pretty much industry standard these days.
- Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:02 pm
- Forum: Lighting & Electronics
- Topic: Secret Life of Machines veers off into the Secret Life of LEDs
- Replies: 3
- Views: 20912
Secret Life of Machines veers off into the Secret Life of LEDs
One benefit of COVID is that Tim Hunkin, Brit tinkerer extraordinare and host of the 1980s BBC show "The Secret Life of Machines" has come up with a youtube series on the Secret Life of Components- Bearings! Chains! Springs" Blackmail! Blue Films! Narcotics! ( not really those last th...
- Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:02 am
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: DIORAMAS you would like to build
- Replies: 45
- Views: 265252
Re: DIORAMAS you would like to build
I was just thinking about this. I would like to do the Revell XSL-01 landed on the moon. Hatch open, rope ladder dangling, solar boiler open. I just need to copy the off-center booster nose cones in my copious free time.
- Thu Nov 05, 2020 9:20 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Dr Mikes, Mercury, or Flexy?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 34022
Re: Dr Mikes, Mercury, or Flexy?
I'll have to try that stuff! Using up a whole bottle of CA is something I have never done.
- Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:18 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Dr Mikes, Mercury, or Flexy?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 34022
Re: Dr Mikes, Mercury, or Flexy?
The stuff in hobby stores is way better than what I find at the dollar store. I've heard Gorilla is good, Loctite seems to work better but goes bad in a week, but I have never used a full container of CA before it goes bad.
- Sat Jul 11, 2020 10:45 pm
- Forum: Finishing
- Topic: Getting rid of the undercoat on chromed parts?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 288228
Re: Getting rid of the undercoat on chromed parts?
Easy off for me usually loosens up the yellowish layer enough for me, but maybe a rubdown with a white Scotchbrite pad will get rid of the clingy remains.
- Tue Mar 17, 2020 3:17 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Fitting acetate to window frames?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 29050
Re: Fitting acetate to window frames?
True- some do get very hot, especially straight plaster of paris. I usually use Durhams Water Putty or patching plaster which stays pretty cool. It's there mainly as a heat sink. As always, do some research and try it in an inconspicuous location.
- Tue Mar 17, 2020 2:25 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Fitting acetate to window frames?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 29050
Re: Fitting acetate to window frames?
Vacuform them using the original parts as a master. Fill them with clay or plaster to act as a heat sink, or make a plaster copy. I have melted styrene masters in a Mattel vacuform machine, so be careful.
- Sun Feb 02, 2020 3:44 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Has Ambroid disappeared?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 71317
Re: Has Ambroid disappeared?
I think it has vanished. Lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth on flying model airplane boards about the lack of the tube cement, and the address on an old bottle shows up as a suburban house. I use acrylic cement as a substitute for Pro-Weld. I get it at TAP Plastics, a West coast supplier but you ...
- Wed Jan 01, 2020 11:38 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Stripping "chrome" off model pieces
- Replies: 22
- Views: 154489
Re: Stripping "chrome" off model pieces
Easy Off works just fine.
- Sat Oct 05, 2019 8:57 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Window making tool for the novice?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 57225
Re: Window making tool for the novice?
That sounds like an application for a rotary broach. I'm not fully convinced it would work on styrene or if any off the shelf tools would be the right size, but might be worth checking out:
https://www.polygonsolutions.com/how-ro ... ing-works/
https://www.polygonsolutions.com/how-ro ... ing-works/
- Fri May 10, 2019 5:05 pm
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: re-scratching a 1/350 kit part
- Replies: 7
- Views: 26500
Re: re-scratching a 1/350 kit part
Why not just make a mold of the original part and cast it hollow? Otherwise, it looks like the bridge window could be hollowed out by drilling straight back with a long drill bit (aircraft drill) all the way to the back of the neck for your wires, and then just opened up from the front. Just a sugge...
- Fri Apr 12, 2019 1:13 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Micro Kristal (not so) Klear !!!
- Replies: 11
- Views: 47800
Re: Micro Kristal (not so) Klear !!!
It looks like PVA glue because that is pretty much what it is. It may eventually clear up. Other possibilities could be using some clear epoxy-prone to bubbles, some clear enamel, or cut the tops off of some tiny googly eyes. I'd give it some time to dry, or start over and build the domes up in laye...
- Sat Feb 23, 2019 8:29 pm
- Forum: Finishing
- Topic: Draining a spray can?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 35293
Re: Draining a spray can?
I hold them upside down and bleed off the pressure. Every little bit of pressure loss helps if you are spraying the paint into another container. WD-40 straws only fit WD-40 nozzles which may or may not fit your paint can, If you bleed off ALL of the pressure- there will be no more hissing and the c...
- Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:21 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Problem with a seam across grooves
- Replies: 12
- Views: 50127
- Thu Jan 10, 2019 11:27 pm
- Forum: Lighting & Electronics
- Topic: 23rd Century Phaser with 21st Century Problem
- Replies: 6
- Views: 36929
Re: 23rd Century Phaser with 21st Century Problem
Double check the ID and dimensions on the original batteries against the LR 44 specs, and the holders. There are a lot of very similar batteries out there and a lot are mislabeled. Should be close enough...AND DO NOT THROW THEM IN THE TRASH. One of those things will kill a baby. Unpleasant stuff ins...
- Wed Jan 09, 2019 12:50 am
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: Greeblie Organization!
- Replies: 14
- Views: 62575
Re: Greeblie Organization!
Indeed. Like things go with like. I like the cheap multi-compartment boxes with a space for tiny fins, big fins, little round stuff, oval things(not easy to find) etc. My only regret is the big box of "stuff to re-file" that builds up over a very brief time. Stillborn projects go into a zi...
- Sat Dec 08, 2018 3:24 pm
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: need glue for most plastics
- Replies: 13
- Views: 49806
Re: need glue for most plastics
I use acrylic cement, which has some methylene chloride in it. Works great on Styrene, ABS, acrylics, plexiglas and most rigid plastics. I get it locally at TAP Plastics, but there are other versions. It is pretty similar to Ambroid Pro-Weld, but a lot cheaper: https://www.tapplastics.com/uploads/pd...
- Tue Oct 23, 2018 2:24 pm
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: Two part mold cunudrums part 2
- Replies: 10
- Views: 48861
Re: Two part mold cunudrums part 2
Surround each half of the mold with a box or frame and fill it with plaster? Make sure to add some registration pins on the frame if you don't have them on the mold itself. If the mold is really whippy you might want to do this with the master inside to keep it from deforming. Just a suggestion...
- Sat Aug 25, 2018 10:14 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Tamiya Electric Drill, and micro drill bits
- Replies: 6
- Views: 35635
Re: Tamiya Electric Drill, and micro drill bits
Look for a "micro drill chuck"- a google search will conjure up a bunch of options. I am not familiar with the Tamiya tool, so can't say if it will fit in to the business end.
- Tue Jul 17, 2018 4:36 pm
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: Sith Infiltrator mechanical junk bays ...
- Replies: 10
- Views: 34879
Re: Sith Infiltrator mechanical junk bays ...
Check on eBay and Etsy for lots of watch parts- "steampunk watch parts" finds a lot of loose pieces.
- Mon Jun 18, 2018 10:29 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Small power detail sander
- Replies: 5
- Views: 25559
Re: Small power detail sander
The cheap battery powered toothbrushes really don't have a lot of power and stall pretty easily. At least the dollar store cheapie I used. It worked on ejector pin marks, but it was a slow task. If I made a another one I would move up to a higher quality rechargeable toothbrush.
- Sun Apr 01, 2018 3:22 pm
- Forum: Lighting & Electronics
- Topic: Reducing LED Brightness?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 42152
Re: Reducing LED Brightness?
A coat of white paint can work well. If it’s still too bright, add another layer.
- Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:57 am
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: Greeblie Organization!
- Replies: 14
- Views: 62575
Re: Greeblie Organization!
Lots of little organizers here! I don't build anything out of the box so I usually break down any kits as soon as they come in. If I had the space I would keep everything in the original boxes, but I do not. One of the may compromises made to live in a city.
- Fri Feb 16, 2018 3:21 pm
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: trying to make small, rivet-like detailing bits
- Replies: 9
- Views: 42613
Re: trying to make small, rivet-like detailing bits
I usually just use cut off straight pins- if you shop around you can find some variation in head diameter and depth. I've also used escutcheon pins for bigger rivets. I ordered a set of rivet and bolt head molds- http://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/silicone/541-silicone-molds-rivets.html But have not ...
- Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:35 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Removing paint/ink from plastic signs
- Replies: 7
- Views: 27471
Re: Removing paint/ink from plastic signs
if the print is really recalcitrant, just sand it off. Water on a glass sheet will usually hold the plastic in place and sand away!
- Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:37 am
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: cheap plastics or balaswood
- Replies: 15
- Views: 53983
Re: cheap plastics or balaswood
There is also styrene faced foam core-
https://www.foamboardsource.com/medium- ... board.html
https://www.foamboardsource.com/medium- ... board.html
- Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:37 am
- Forum: Scratchbuilding
- Topic: What are your favorite greebles ???
- Replies: 11
- Views: 48436
Re: What are your favorite greebles ???
Years ago I picked up a bunch of solid plastic doll eyes at a fabric store- styrene hemispheres 2, 3 4 5 and 6mm across. Cheap and useful for all kinds of things, especially covering up ejector pin marks. I haven't run out or seen any more since. NOPE- I checked AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.co...
- Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:30 pm
- Forum: Construction
- Topic: Corrugated conduit to hide wires
- Replies: 4
- Views: 15902
Re: Corrugated conduit to hide wires
Or the old classic desoldering braid. It's cheap.