Thread: Zero thickness shim glue???

Any super glue should be OK. If you have digital calipers you can do a practice run using two piece of Al can and then measure the thickness before and after glue.

Thanks Bob. Any tips on technique to get complete coverage but thin and even on the shim?

Originally Posted by Matt NQ

Thanks Bob. Any tips on technique to get complete coverage but thin and even on the shim?

I'd look for a thin glue with a longer set time the usual (not one of these instant ones) and then if you clamp it will hopefully squeeze out the excess.
It may even pay to mix your own two pack epoxy as that can be quite thin.

None of the super glues have a "longer set time", it seems. If I'm going for an epoxy, what is a commonly available one with low viscosity (i.e. thin and runny)?

Originally Posted by Matt NQ

None of the super glues have a "longer set time", it seems. If I'm going for an epoxy, what is a commonly available one with low viscosity (i.e. thin and runny)?

West systems is pretty runny especially when its warm so I sometimes park the individual components in the sun for an hour or so before mixing.

Just looked up West System glues. Seems they only make large bottles of it. I just need one of the tiny packs from Bunnings, but I don't know which one - website doesn't detail viscosity.

Originally Posted by Matt NQ

Just looked up West System glues. Seems they only make large bottles of it. I just need one of the tiny packs from Bunnings, but I don't know which one - website doesn't detail viscosity.

I think any of them will be OK - just don't get the GEL type?

Just submitted an "ask the expert" question on the Selley's site. I'll post the answer.

Z-Poxy is very thin.

Soft drink cans IIRC have a very thin layer of plastic on the inside to protect the metal from the acid in the soft drink. If you remove it you can add back that thickness of epoxy. Light sandpaper or maybe acetone/dry cleaning fluid might work.

Thanks RobbieB, that's a terrific tip. Probably good to sand anyway to aid glue grip.

Lappa, thank you. There's a range of Z-poxy - https://www.zapglue.com/epoxy-resins Most of them are called gap-fillers which doesn't suggest thinness to me, and the only one that is called a gap-filler doesn't seem great for metal. Which one have you experienced as "thin"?

Can an low viscosity epoxy be used thinly and also as a gap filler? So many of the epoxy glues are called gap fillers I'm wondering if some of them have this flexibility, and if so, which ones.

Found a Q&A on Amazon for Z-poxy 15 min epoxy:

is the resin part thick almost like jello consistancy or thin like water

Answer:
Both parts are an equally "gel-like" consistency. Not runny at all. Hope that helps.
By Adam W on December 1, 2015

I bet there would be a loctite product that is suitable, and available from a local industrial supplier.

Thanks Oddy. Had a look at the Loctite stuff, and I think I may have found the answer. Loctite Studlock 263:

Loctite Threadlocker 263

Designed to bond metal with a thin layer of glue. Sets in 10 mins, which gives me time to position carefully and wipe edges. For threads rather than flat surfaces, so maybe not the strongest, but I can take care to lift the lathe steady rather than slide it (good for not abrading the ways anyway) and then the bond doesn't need to be too strong.

Anyone had experience using this stuff?