Fixing Arcylic lens into a brass headlamp - how to?

[Guest]

I'm making some little locomotive lamps from Brass. The lens will be a disk of clear acrylic turned into a little dome and it'll fit into a piece of brass tube. I've got a smaller piece of tube fitted inside to prevent the lens from falling too far in, but what would be the best method of attaching the lens to the brass without misting up the acrylic?

The lamps are only small - lens is approx 6mm diameter.

[John]

Have you tried PVA glue as it dries clear

[Guest]

Future floor wax/polish, trust me it's the dog's for this kind of stuff. It will also make the 'glass' nice and clear!

Sav.

[jspitza]

Hi Alan:

Check this link out. Its to a product called Krystal Klear and I believe it was mentioned somewhere on the forum. Its magic!

Micro Kristal Klear: Microscale Decals

[jspitza]

Oh forgot to add that when I've used furture or Klear it won't form to well due to its watery consistency.

[Guest]

Howdy Alan,

Ok, I often use this particular product for creating "glass" on guages when i bother to do a model with alot of detail. And i think every modeller should have some of this product.....what is it you ask? Clear fingernail polish.

It wont fog clear parts and when creating the "glass" on guages, you simply apply a drop and allow to dry, it gives a nice glossy clear finish.

But, one of the other properties is has is that when its drying, it becomes "tacky". I believe it would be "tacky" enough to hold your lens in place until the polish dries.

I would simply apply it inside the tube, all around, give it a few minutes to become tacky, then insert the lens and allow it to sit until dry.

Not only is it good for guages, but for creating the illusion of lens covered navigation lights it works well too, simply paint whatever color you want the "light" to be on the model, then apply a few coats of the polish, allowing each coat to dry before the next coat.

Now this doesnt mean go steal your wifes clear figernail polish, really blow her mind and tell her that you need her to pick you up some lol.

Anyway, at about a dollar a bottle, get some and test it out for yourself, if you dont like it, it can be used in other applications like lens covers for guages and nav lights like i said.

Have a good day,

Greg

[Guest]

use Johnsons. just poor a little bit out into something and leave it for a few days and it thickens and goes gooey. then use that

Richard