2mm block threading

[Fred stickel]

Help, new to this forum.

Can any body give me a few tips on how to get a thread through a 2mm block?

Been using Tooth flossing loops on the larger blocks that work just fine, but even a wire needle threader is too big.

 

[ah100m]

1.  Open up the hole in the block with a #80 or #79 drill.

2.  Dip the end of the rigging line in thin CA (super) glue.  Just about 1/4" or so to stiffen it.

3.  Cut the end of the line at an angle to form a point.

4.  It should go right into the block.  If it won't the line is the wrong size.  For instance, at 1/96 scale a 2mm block is about 8".  The hole resulting from a #80 drill will accommodate a 3-4" c line in 1/96th scale which is about right.

[davyboy]

Fred,dip the end of the thread in cyano glue then cut diagonaly across the glued part. You then have a needle point,goes through evey time.

 

Dave 

[Fred stickel]

Thanks dave i will give a try.

Any tricks on not getting the ca all over the place. It runs like water and i seem to get it eveywhere except where needed.

[Bob Cleek]

28 minutes ago, Fred stickel said:

Thanks dave i will give a try.

Any tricks on not getting the ca all over the place. It runs like water and i seem to get it eveywhere except where needed.

This is true.  working over a piece of paper or tinfoil will catch the drips. CA is great for some things, but I agree, it is somewhat nasty and messy to work with. While it doesn't set up quite as stiff as CA, I sometimes use clear nail polish. (The color really doesn't matter, since the end will eventually be cut off.) The acetone thinner evaporates very quickly, especially if you blow on it for a few seconds. It's really just a matter of getting something on the thread that will stiffen it enough to get it started through the hole. Nail polish comes with a brush in the cap and isn't messy at all. Cheaper than CA and with a longer shelf life, too.

[Griphos]

Just put a few drops of the CA into an old milk carton cap or similar small receptacle. Dip the thread in. Replenish as necessary. 

[Jim Rogers]

I put the CA on my thumb and then run the line through my thumb and forefinger. I have never stuck my fingers together as of yet, just pull it off my fingers when I am finished. Messy but works well.

[John Allen]

CA comes in 3 sets I tend towards the gel on certain items takes a little longer to set but you do avoid the mistakes and messes of the 5 second CA.

After knocking over a container of the 5 sec. and it spreading so fast like a rushing river it was a mess. Fumes were so bad they ran me out of the room.

Not long after there were some postings about setting bottles in stable containers where they could no be accidentally knocked over.

Stupid is as stupid does. Gel is best and any mistakes in gluing can be avoided and corrected before it sets.

[Jim Rogers]

I also use gel for the same exact reason.

[Richard Griffith]

Griphos' method also works for me. 

I do NOT put CA on fingers because I have glued them together several times which required me to use my scalpel.  I guess it works for you, Jim, but it's too dangerous for me...Duff

[thibaultron]

I keep de-bonder and acetone around for just such reasons.

[Ulises Victoria]

Get a good set of mini reamers in different sizes. These have became my most useful tools when rigging. They enlarge and CLEAN the holes. I have used them in blocks down to 3mm, which is the smallest I can handle. 

 

 

[hornet]

I hold this size block in a fly tying vice, ream the hole out slightly with a very fine drill bit then use a doubled over very fine piece of copper wire taken from the core of a piece of electrical wire. BTW an upturned glass jar (with concave base) makes a good receptacle for a few drops of CA glue.

[vossiewulf]

On 2/14/2019 at 1:12 PM, Fred stickel said:

Any tricks on not getting the ca all over the place.

Go to Amazon and get several hundred tattoo ink cups for about $10.

Drill a hole in a 3"x5"x1/2" or so piece of wood to hold the ink cup. Set in there it will never spill.

Fill the cup with the CA container, put CA container away where you can't knock it over.

Use a piece of wire with a loop in the end to apply the glue. Cut off and make a new loop as necessary.

Apply the CA in dots, don't try to smear it around. This increases the open time of the glue and will result in fewer mistakes of glue where you don't want it.

 

Also, keep your CA glue container in the refrigerator, it will last far longer. You can purchase a better buy bigger container and not worry about having to throw half of it away.

Edited February 23, 2019 by vossiewulf