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Post by everking on Aug 22, 2013 23:57:26 GMT -5
I'm currently working on some spell markers. For one of them I have a short piece of chain as a support for a floating lamp. Well... I'm trying to get it to support the lamp. I'm having no luck with making the chain rigid once in the pose I want. I've tried super glue, but it discolors the chain and leaves a glob mess where the holes in the chain should be. This is a very tiny/fine chain. I've tried a small wire, but it completely ruined the visual look of the chain. It didn't work at all. I don't have a soldering iron in my shop, but I can barrow one. With how small the chain is though I'm worried this method may end up with similar results as the super glue. Any one have any different ideas/techniques I should try? Here is a link to what the chain looks like. This isn't a picture taken by me. It is one I found with a google search. Metal Chain
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Post by belatucadras on Aug 23, 2013 3:53:56 GMT -5
I have done something similar to what I think you are trying to do. I use Zap-a-Gap, which is like super glue. The bottle I have has a very fine applicator tip, but maybe a toothpick would give you better control. Then use an accelerator to cause the Zap-a-Gap to set immediately. You can do one link at a time. Glue one link to the base then use tweezers to hold and position each link as you set them. I think this will be a fragile piece. Super glue is not infallible.
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Post by agsupernaturalfe on Aug 23, 2013 8:44:03 GMT -5
I've actually had the opposite problem with a piece of modern terrain I made ... A swing set for a park/playground encounter anyway I didn't want a stiff set, but I was too impatient to carefully hook on the seats themselves to the chain (which seems to be finer then the one you pictured, I found mine at Wal-mart in the jewelry aisle of the art's & crafts section I believe it was "cousin's" brand) & my super glue was of the "crazy" variety which left no gooped up spots just stiff chain where the glue dried near the bottom don't know if it has to do with the finer chain or the crazy brand glue just a thought (I'll post a pic soon if I can figure a way to upload from my ipad ... Otherwise It'll have to wait 'til I can get to my laptop) ... sorry if this isn't much help
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Neil
Paint Manipulator
Posts: 160
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Post by Neil on Aug 23, 2013 10:26:59 GMT -5
I hope someone has a quick and easy fix for your issue - I don't.
I had to make rigid chain in the past (Warhammer 40K conversions). As Belatucadras says a toothpick (thin small toothpick) apply small amounts of super glue - zap a gap or some form of JB Weld (sort of cold solder). My solution to the discoloration and residue thing was to repaint the chain.
Soldering would work but you will need a solder and iron designed for fine work. I have been on the "pissed off" end of more than one soldering iron - it takes some experience for the type of thing you want to do.
If I had your issue - I would try to get some chain that is already rigid (rail road hobby store, bead store / do it yourself jewelry supply,or on line).
Good question, I will follow this as I'm interested in the quick and easy fix to it.
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Post by everking on Aug 29, 2013 20:40:10 GMT -5
Sorry for taking forever to respond. I got stuck in the hospital for a bit. But any who...
Thanks for the tips. I went and got some of that zap-a-gap product. I LOVE the applicator. I wish I had that for all my glues. Sadly, it ended up not being strong enough.
What I ended up using was super glue and a toothpick. That gave me the precision I needed to stick each link in place.
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