Cleaning Modeling Pins
06-18-2003, 06:28 PM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
I have used aliphatic glue to build my last couple of planes.
Lots of pins are used to keep everything together while the glue dries overnight.
I really like doing things this way - No going back to CA.
I've noticed more and more goo is collecting on my pins.
A lot of this residue is dried glue, which is hard to get off.
Also, I seem to be tearing out more and more wood when I pull them out.
What do you guys do to clean these things? Buy new ones?
I've tried soaking them in water, but that doesn't work too well.
Is there something I can coat them with (Silicone spray?) before use to keep them clean in the first place?
Lots of pins are used to keep everything together while the glue dries overnight.
I really like doing things this way - No going back to CA.
I've noticed more and more goo is collecting on my pins.
A lot of this residue is dried glue, which is hard to get off.
Also, I seem to be tearing out more and more wood when I pull them out.
What do you guys do to clean these things? Buy new ones?
I've tried soaking them in water, but that doesn't work too well.
Is there something I can coat them with (Silicone spray?) before use to keep them clean in the first place?
06-18-2003, 07:54 PM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
A quick wipe on a cake of very plain ordinary soap, or boot dubbin, or similar product will stop the pins from getting stuck in the glue.
If you use this do not push the pins through the wood, but use it for holding only.
As for cleaning the pins, get a pair of ordinay pliers place the pin parallel to the grooves, squeeze gently and twist.
If you use this do not push the pins through the wood, but use it for holding only.
As for cleaning the pins, get a pair of ordinay pliers place the pin parallel to the grooves, squeeze gently and twist.
06-19-2003, 12:25 AM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
If it's CA glue, soak them in a small jar of acetone. You can also soak your extra glue caps. (long as you have extras) Removes cured CA like magic.
06-19-2003, 06:27 AM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
Prevention is better than cure 
Put all the pins into a jar and spray some furniture polish onto them, give them a good shake around to make sure they all get some. The pins now slide into the balsa smooth as silk, and the glue doesn't stick to them any more!
Put all the pins into a jar and spray some furniture polish onto them, give them a good shake around to make sure they all get some. The pins now slide into the balsa smooth as silk, and the glue doesn't stick to them any more!
06-27-2003, 12:43 AM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
When you bought your T-pins, what percentage rate did you get on the loan and did you use FHA or Conventional financing?
Buy new ones, Scrooge!!!
lol
Buy new ones, Scrooge!!!
lol
06-27-2003, 11:41 AM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
Making metal pins and coating with nickel is probably much more enviromentally friendly than the chemical process to make acetate that's used to clean them btw.
07-01-2003, 01:25 PM
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Cleaning Modeling Pins
Part of my problem is surface corrosion. (Water based glue)
Turns out the pins I am using are just nickel plated, not stainless.
I found a box of stainless steel pins at the sewing shop.
I'll take those for a spin next time the building board is out.
Anyone have a good source for stainless T-Pins?
Everything I see from hobby suppliers is just nickel plated.
Tried the furniture polish trick, but that really makes a mess.
Silicone spray seems to work as well, and not quite as messy.
Haven't made up my mind on this topic yet.
As far as cleaning goes, I am using Titebond, not CA.
So I think acetone is probably overkill. (Titebond is water soluble)
(My main attraction to Titebond is eliminating toxic chemicals)
Using the dishwasher to clean these things looks promising.
I toss the pins into a teaball and let the machine do its thing.
Then I air-dry them on a towel when I get back to them.
Here is a picture of a teaball.
These are great for soaking small engine parts too!
Turns out the pins I am using are just nickel plated, not stainless.
I found a box of stainless steel pins at the sewing shop.
I'll take those for a spin next time the building board is out.
Anyone have a good source for stainless T-Pins?
Everything I see from hobby suppliers is just nickel plated.
Tried the furniture polish trick, but that really makes a mess.
Silicone spray seems to work as well, and not quite as messy.
Haven't made up my mind on this topic yet.
As far as cleaning goes, I am using Titebond, not CA.
So I think acetone is probably overkill. (Titebond is water soluble)
(My main attraction to Titebond is eliminating toxic chemicals)
Using the dishwasher to clean these things looks promising.
I toss the pins into a teaball and let the machine do its thing.
Then I air-dry them on a towel when I get back to them.
Here is a picture of a teaball.
These are great for soaking small engine parts too!
