What are the best type of clamps to use when gluing together O scale building kits? (do you use clamps at all?) Getting ready to start putting together some buildings and would welcome everyone's input.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
6" & 12" light wt. bar clamps as well as "clothespin" clamps are very useful.
You can never have enough clamps
...and a good assortment of rubber bands.
Jim, You might consider reading all the directions before you start assembling. Some kits' roofs need a piece along each wall for support and it is easier to apply that piece (maybe only 80% of the length) before joining the walls. If you glue one wall and the rear together, then the other wall and front you'll have two L shaped pieces to glue together. Makes it a little easier. Short 1/2" x 1/2" or 3/4" x 3/4" beams increase gluing surface in the corners. Save the sprues for exterior downspouts. John in Lansing, Il.
dgauss posted:6" & 12" light wt. bar clamps as well as "clothespin" clamps are very useful.
You can never have enough clamps
Yup! Get a bag of good old fashioned clothespins, 
A handful of small spring clamps sort of like binder clips - wait, maybe just get a box or 3 of binder clips!
Bar clamps! 2-12" and even some larger ones come in handy at times.
Weights - not really a clamp, but look about for vinyl coated lead weights - stuff stays put when you put a kilo of lead on it - great for putting a structure on it's side while you work in the opposite side and holding it steady. In a pinch a quart can of paint works, too!
Don't forget to lay in a supply of hemostats or varying size and style, too!
rattler21 posted:Jim, You might consider reading all the directions before you start assembling. Some kits' roofs need a piece along each wall for support and it is easier to apply that piece (maybe only 80% of the length) before joining the walls. If you glue one wall and the rear together, then the other wall and front you'll have two L shaped pieces to glue together. Makes it a little easier. Short 1/2" x 1/2" or 3/4" x 3/4" beams increase gluing surface in the corners. Save the sprues for exterior downspouts. John in Lansing, Il.
I was going to add a piece inside to glue to.
It takes a bunch................
Attachments
Images (6)
Clamping and gluing doesn't have a "one size fits all" solution. I use these:
Xacto Plastic Clamps ( I have about 8 of these. They are less convenient to use than bar clamps, but a lot lighter. They won't tip over your projects)
Clothes pins and light spring clamps
Weights
Rubber Bands
Rite-Way magnetic Clamps (great for gluing right angles)
Magnetic clamping board (You can buy these, but I built one similar to the one pictured using 1/4" MDF covered with sheet metal and attached aluminum angle irons at right angles to 2 edges to assemble building kits)
Bob
