Dainis Posted November 13, 2019 Share Posted November 13, 2019 I'm on the hunt for effective clamps when gluing fuselage halves together. Anyone have what they consider good clamps for something like this? Any input appreciated! Thanks and cheers! Nachtjaeger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmayhew Posted November 13, 2019 Share Posted November 13, 2019 i use berna clamps sometimes but they are f*cking fiddly i also use [albeit very small] DIY clamps - there's loads out there - the ones with trigger grip to tighten by increments and single button release these are super sturdy and come in as many sizes as you like, but if you are not careful can crush a model i am coming to believe that with *most* kits, if you need industrial pressure to hold fuselage halves in place, you've either not test fitted properly or the kit is junk there is a lot to be said for tamiya tape pulled at reasonably high tension across a joint; you'd be surprised at what it will hold it's also less fiddly if you need pics of the DIY clamps I use let me know mozart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC Posted November 13, 2019 Share Posted November 13, 2019 46 minutes ago, nmayhew said: i use berna clamps sometimes but they are f*cking fiddly i also use [albeit very small] DIY clamps - there's loads out there - the ones with trigger grip to tighten by increments and single button release these are super sturdy and come in as many sizes as you like, but if you are not careful can crush a model i am coming to believe that with *most* kits, if you need industrial pressure to hold fuselage halves in place, you've either not test fitted properly or the kit is junk there is a lot to be said for tamiya tape pulled at reasonably high tension across a joint; you'd be surprised at what it will hold it's also less fiddly ... To answer each para in turn: So do I, and I agree; So do I, and I agree; I came to that conclusion a while ago, and yes, I agree. nmayhew and themongoose 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dainis Posted November 14, 2019 Author Share Posted November 14, 2019 Thanks. Pictures would be appreciated if not too much trouble for you. Have wanted to try clamps on lengthy fuselages for some time. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozart Posted November 14, 2019 Share Posted November 14, 2019 Like Mike, I also agree 100% with all of Nick’s statements. To sum up, don’t bother with clamps, use tape or good old elastic bands! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dainis Posted November 15, 2019 Author Share Posted November 15, 2019 Thanks for the input. I've used tape and elastic bands to good effect. Just was wondering what good clamps could do. I was thinking about what if there was a clamp that could put equal pressure around the entire perimeter of the fuselage, even considering that fuselages are not perfectly cylindrical. A problem in search of a better mousetrap? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmayhew Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 i bought these but although small, they are too strong for most things useful for thin wings / tails etc http://amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C77GYJK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and these come in all sizes - small DIY type clamps https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001C7QO4Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennismcc Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 (edited) I've used clamps on a few resin conversions, found them very useful on the nose sections, below is a 1/32 Spitfire Mk. XII conversion being clamped, these joints needed a bit more pressure but usually I just use tape. And to align and glue a slightly warped fuselage side. Cheers Dennis Edited November 16, 2019 by dennismcc Added a photo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dainis Posted November 16, 2019 Author Share Posted November 16, 2019 Thanks for the photos and info. I for sure will purchase some of those guys for trickier assemblies. Thanks to all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrish Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 I use foul language, lots of it! But like the clamps...it's hit and miss johncrow 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quang Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 When you feel you need clamps, you’re already in deep trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmthamade Posted November 17, 2019 Share Posted November 17, 2019 Haven't had to use the big clamps shown...yet, usually i'll use roach clips on the rudder and elastics on the main body. I find tape can slack off, lose tension, whereas elastics will exert constant consistent pressure. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dainis Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 Didn't realise this topic would generate as much feedback as it has. I guess I was just wondering if there was some magic bullet I overlooked in regards to gluing and then clamping fuselage halves. Apparently not. Just like in real life. I think I will still get a hold of some and give it a go on trickier non Tamiya, WNW etc fits. And if anyone invents my perfect clamp, drop me a line. I may invest in your invention. Cheers to all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dainis Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 Oh yeah, I forgot something. If anyone can invent boots for dog paws that my dog will actually wear, drop me a line too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonGUSA Posted November 18, 2019 Share Posted November 18, 2019 Zip ties, especially the ones you can reuse. You can apply pressure evenly around the fuselage. Ron G Ayovan, jimbo and Out2gtcha 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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