What's this CA stuff I keep hearing about?

**prsman23** · 06-25-2012, 08:32 PM

I've seen quite a few posts about using CA to help save scales. I've got a set of scales I think are worth saving, and I understand that it's a kind of glue. Superglue? How does one apply it? Can it be sanded to look all shiny and new? Any good write-ups on the process i've missed in my forum searching?

Thanks!

**rickboone1** · 06-25-2012, 08:33 PM

super glue, yes.

it's a whole process....basically the glue is like a varnish? it makes it shiny. sanding helps remove old and brings up a new surface. you can get quite a shine with sanding alone. i'm not sure of all the materials CA can be used on. I see it mostly on wood scales.

**Kentos** · 06-25-2012, 09:12 PM

This is a good one...
http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/...ca-finish.html

**prsman23** · 06-25-2012, 09:25 PM

Man. That was an awesome one! Thanks!

**dakotaev** · 06-25-2012, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by Kentos

This is a good one...
http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/...ca-finish.html

+1.

It's not as easy as it looks but it does leave a very nice finish when you get it right.

**WickedSwde** · 06-26-2012, 05:27 AM

I'm not surprised it works. I know lots of goodcue makers who use this technology on pool cues.

**skipnord** · 06-26-2012, 01:17 PM

Another piece to consider. There are 3 types of CA available at Rockler, and I'm sure at other woodworkers' stores. Thin, medium and thick. I use thin first, to get good penetration, and then switch to medium.

**thatsilverguy** · 07-02-2012, 07:22 AM

Why do you all use CA instead of wood hardeners, such as:

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/paint/p...-oz-91897.html

**brother cavefish** · 07-06-2012, 03:21 PM

get the thin it spreads and sinks in better

**ladykate** · 07-10-2012, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by thatsilverguy

Why do you all use CA instead of wood hardeners, such as:

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/paint/p...-oz-91897.html

I've used MinWax wood hardener. Works fine. Seals quickly and dries nicely. I use it to stabilize fungus woods but it can make a finish all by itself. It is easier to work with than CA and seems at least as tough. In another hobby, we discovered that Plexiglass melted in acetone (takes a day or two to melt small shreds) makes a good substitute for MinWax. An auto tail light cover that has been shredded works, too.