Super glue, MDF, and boats

[erikgreen]

Hey - just wondering if any of you have tried using super glue (cyanoacrylate) as a temporary or permanent glue to hold items in place in boats for permanent bonding.

Example: Holding a piece of core (foam, wood, whatever) in place while you wrap it and the surrounding area in glass

Example 2: Gluing a piece of heavy trim in place before caulking with 5200

I've used it a bit for holding to-be-welded metal together, but not for boats, and I've discovered a need - I want to curve MDF to a particular shape and then attach backing support... the MDF is vertical, thus PL premium won't stick quick enough to hold the backing... but if I use super glue first, then PL, it should work.

Anyone know if super glue causes any problems around boats?

I was also thinking of maybe using 3m super 90, but I'm not sure how well that would bond plywood strips.

Suggestions welcome,
Erik

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

I use a hot glue gun to hold stuff in place.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

I use hot glue as well for temp bonding.

MDF does not hold up well in a marine enviorment, fiberglassed or not, depending on your project you may want to think about changing your wood core.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

I used to use tons of cyanoacrylate but I developed a severe allergy to the stuff, even sanding old glue joints triggers it so I can't go near the stuff.
I used to fix smashed fiberglass parts with it, it sticks like stink to glass.

If you find yourself developing flu like symptoms you got it.
Don't bother with masks, they don't work for beans with that stuff.

 

[HOOKED.UP]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

MDF. Is worse than cardboard.

Do the job properly.

Ply with epoxy.

Just M H O.

Paul.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

I think he was just using the MDF as a form, or shape to glass against.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

Right, the MDF is the mold. Cheap, smooth, and easy to form.

But to hold it in a curve I need to construct a backing structure under it, hence the need to quickly attach structure to a piece of MDF held vertically.

I think hot glue is a good fast way to start... I'll "tack" the supports in place with hot glue (got to get a new hot glue gun) and then apply pl premium and let it cure to ensure nothing moves when I take the mold off the boat. The thing will probably weigh at least 20-25 lbs, so hot glue alone might break off, I think?

Erik

 

[jonesg]

Re: Super glue, MDF, and boats

I make quickie molds with mat and poly resin, PL is not fast enough for quick work. Give the resin a hot shot or hit it with a heat gun.