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Post by stottman on Aug 28, 2021 18:38:55 GMT -8
So I moved back to the US after about 5 years in Europe and went to buy some new MEK for modeling purposes; Both for use as plastic cement, as well as cleaning work surfaces with various dried residues, etc... Only to discover that all the big box hardware stores only carry methyl ethyl ketone "substitute". I can order the real stuff on Amazon, but its more expensive and obviously has to be shipped. I live in a very Red state, so it's not State regulations.
For modelling purposes, are the two interchangeable ?
Thanks in advance!
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Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 28, 2021 19:23:45 GMT -8
No.
Get the real stuff.
Ed
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Post by scl1234 on Aug 28, 2021 20:32:52 GMT -8
Sherwin Williams Reducer No. 10 (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) is what you need. Product Number 154-8734 About $32/gallon Tell them you're a jobber if they ask for an account number.  Methyl Isobutyl Ketone might as well be water if used for bonding styrene or ABS. |
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Post by nebrzephyr on Aug 29, 2021 5:47:34 GMT -8
As was stated MEK is both hard to find and very expensive if you can find it. As related to bonding styrene, etc, I have started to use Ethyl Acetate. Much cheaper per ounce than the typical "modeling cement", and works just as well. YMMV.
Bob |
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Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 29, 2021 7:50:55 GMT -8
MEK evaporates easily. For your large quantity (gallon) of MEK, be sure to keep the top sealed tightly. If it's a screw top, maybe tighten and untighten with channel-locks. Up to a point.
MEK, like alcohol, absorbs water from the air. This will mostly happen from the container you repeatedly dip a brush into for glueing. It takes quite awhile. If/when it happens, you'll find the MEK "doesn't" anymore. Happened to me once, a few years ago.
$32 is a handsome sum. But, assuming you have negligible evaporative losses, it's likely a lifetime supply.
Ed
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Post by valenciajim on Aug 29, 2021 20:37:05 GMT -8
Based on my experience, you cannot buy MEK in California.
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Post by rounder on Sept 25, 2021 6:06:12 GMT -8
MEK evaporates easily. For your large quantity (gallon) of MEK, be sure to keep the top sealed tightly. If it's a screw top, maybe tighten and untighten with channel-locks. Up to a point. MEK, like alcohol, absorbs water from the air. This will mostly happen from the container you repeatedly dip a brush into for glueing. It takes quite awhile. If/when it happens, you'll find the MEK "doesn't" anymore. Happened to me once, a few years ago. $32 is a handsome sum. But, assuming you have negligible evaporative losses, it's likely a lifetime supply. Ed if you buy the Sherwin product referenced upthread, you will quickly find that channel locks are a no-no, as the can has a plastic spout. Lacquer thinner is not available for sale in commiefornia either, says so right on the gallons I regularly buy. |
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Post by bn7023 on Aug 22, 2022 12:49:56 GMT -8
I bought MEK at a pharmacy in Japan. I wasn't even asked to show my ID. It's in a reagent bottle on the right side of the next picture. There is a warning that says "Do not use for purposes other than testing and research." I wonder why. It comes in 500ml (17oz) and has been cut in half in 25 years.  click here to enlarge the image. |
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Post by Christian on Aug 22, 2022 13:59:36 GMT -8
I've used MEK since the stone age. When I ran out and found the current price to be pricey, I tried both the Tamiya liquid cements. I'll never go back to MEK. Model-making science has moved on from the MEK years.
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Post by bn7023 on Aug 22, 2022 19:47:38 GMT -8
 click here to enlarge the image.(A) TAMIYA CEMENT for ABS: 25% vinyl acetate copolymer resin, 75% organic solvent (acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl acetate, cyclohexane) (B) TAMIYA LIMONENE CEMENT: Citrus essential oil (95% or more), d-limonene (C) TAMIYA EXTRA THIN CEMENT: Organic solvent (100%), butyl acetate, acetone (D) Mr. HOBBY Mr. CEMENT S: Organic solvent (100%) methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, ethyl acetate (E) Mr. HOBBY Mr. CEMENT SPB: Organic solvent (100%) methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, ethyl acetate, fragrance If you have access to Japanese brand glue, the explanation is simple. I use 6 different types for bonding polystyrenes and ABS resins. (A) is for strong adhesion between ABS resins. Only this is not a liquid type. (B) is when strength is required and 12 hours of fixing time is available. I believe that bonding deformation is relatively small. However, ABS resin is completely unacceptable. (C) is when the fixation is a little slow and the positioning is delicate. Avoid thin plates and small parts due to high solubility. (D) evaporates quickly and has a weak adhesive strength. Also, please note that insufficient penetration may result in incomplete adhesion. But if you allow them, it's fine. (E) is almost the same as (D), where the adhesive has flowed black and can only be confirmed. I use (D) all the time and replenish MEK when it's empty, so it should be close to 100% MEK now. It should be the same as everyone else that you also use alphacyanoacrylate adhesive. I hope my limited experience and poor English will help you. |
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Post by Colin 't Hart on Aug 24, 2022 5:03:49 GMT -8
click here to enlarge the image.... (C) TAMIYA EXTRA THIN CEMENT: Organic solvent (100%), butyl acetate, acetone ... (C) is when the fixation is a little slow and the positioning is delicate. Avoid thin plates and small parts due to high solubility. You're missing the Tamiya Extra Thin Quick Setting version of C. It comes in a lighter green bottle. It evaporates extremely quickly -- fast enough for me not to buy MEK (which is pretty much unobtainable in Sweden).  |
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Post by bn7023 on Aug 26, 2022 6:26:28 GMT -8
Thanks to Colin 't Hart for introducing the Quick-Setting version. Unfortunately I don't own it. For your reference, here are the ingredients of other liquid types on the market in Japan. It may be a hint of a substitute.
(F) Tamiya Extra Thin Cement Quick-Setting: Organic solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone)
(G) Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement SP: Organic Solvents (methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, ethyl acetate)
(H) Goodsmile Racing Strong Adhesive: (100% dichloromethane)
(I) Mr. Hobby Mr. Cement Limonene type: D-limonene 95% or more
If there are multiple ingredients, they are in descending order of weight ratio.
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Post by Gino Damen on Aug 27, 2022 12:36:25 GMT -8
The quick setting version works like a charm. Almost as good as the white label one from plastruct (which unfortunately evaporates so good that even in a closed bottle!it slowly disappears.
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