Adhesives for an ABS hull

[Suzy DaviesParticipant @suzydavies58595]

I have a couple of ABS hulls as supplied by Sarik. One is the Guardsman Customs launch. The other is an HDML (Harbour Defence Motor Launch). In both cases I need to bond the propeller shafts into the hull.

Call me old fashioned but I also like fitting out said hulls with balsa/plywood decks and bulkheads.

Can any wise soul please put me on the correct compass course for a suitable adhesive to fulfil said requirements ?

Thanks in advance.

Suzy Davies

[Suzy DaviesParticipant @suzydavies58595]

Bonding a propeller tube (and balsa bulkheads) into an ABS hull

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Hi Suzy and welcome to the forum. A couple of possible glues, first up would be a two part epoxy such as Araldite. Use the original slow setting one not the rapid type or the crystal type as they are not as waterproof.

Another possible popular choice would be Stabilit Express, which is a little on the expensive side but is a very strong glue capable of bonding different materials.

Then, of course, there is the specific ABS glues, such as MEK, (Something like Methyl Ethyl Ketone). This comes in either a cement form or a very thin watery solvent form. These have the advantage of dissolving the surface of the material and creating a very strong bond. There is a danger though, when the material gets very thin that the glue can dissolve the material so much it softens right the way through and creates a deformed finished joint. The solvent type is not good with wood as it soaks right in and leaves nothing at the surface to bond. The cement type is a much better bet for cementing ABS to wood.

Everyone has their preferences but, if it was me, I would probably go for Araldite.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Suzy. P38 car body filler works well and of course gap fills. Ashley

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Suzy. I am not sure if the Stabilit Express as recommended by Richard Simpson is still available. I believe that it is now called UHU Plus Acrylit Express which I used on a Sarik ABS hull for Plaudit. It was purchased from Cornwall Model Boats following an article in MB some years ago. I am aware that as much as I like Araldite, it is not suitable for some plastics, but the UHU product worked very well.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Suzy,

If you gluing wooden bulkheads inside you ABS hull, I find if you de-grease and rough up the plastic with abrasive paper to give a key it works with epoxy resin such as Devcon or the cheaper stuff from Poundland.

Stablit Express is still available made by Pattex, and is sold in ALDI or LIDL occasionally, a 2 part resin and white powder as the photo, It also comes with dire warnings was always good for plastic to aluminium joints on helicopter kits etc

As David says UHU have a glue for most things

Regards Ray

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 01/08/2022 16:11:34

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Deluxe Material Fusion is similar to Stabilit Express and although expensive should provide some peace of mind.

**LINK**

As Ray says, abrading the ABS does give a mechanical key which will work with epoxies such as slow set Araldite but ABS, can flex and break the bond.

Epoxy is good for GRP to wood bonds but less effective on ABS.

Colin

[Dave Cooper 6Participant @davecooper6]

I'm currently using "De Luxe" 2-pack stuff for most jobs. It is pricey (at c.£19).

On the bottles it says 4 mins working /setting time but you can stretch this to 10-15 mins on a good day.

My 'metal-to-wood' test pieces are given a good clout with a hammer after 24 hours. Usually, the wood lets go first.

Definitely abrade /clean ABS first as sometimes the mould release chemicals are still present…..

Good luck,

Dave

[Suzy DaviesParticipant @suzydavies58595]

Thank you all for your informative answers. They say knowledge is key.

Happy boating.

Suzy

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