Gluing Balsa

[regular guy]

Can I use Devcon epoxy?

It will be load bearing. It's not an airplane so not concerned with weight.

It's 1/8" and 1/4" sticks.

[BigTallDad]

I think more information is necessary: you're only giving one dimension...what are the other two; what kind of "load"; give an example (verbally or pictorially) of the part(s) you're replicating.

[Dave Van]

I use white glue, gorilla glue and epoxy in that order when using any wood during building.....mostly on structures in O scale. 

[Kit Basher]

Medium CA works well. Instant bond, and pretty strong. Usually if a joint fails, it's the balsa, not the glue. For extra strength, I would use yellow carpenter's glue, like Titebond. Probably stronger than epoxy for wood, and no mixing necessary. Some clamping might be required, but that's true for the epoxy as well. If it needs to be really strong, some joinery is in order.

[regular guy]

'what are the other two'

Ooops! 1/8" and 1/4" square balsa and basswood sticks. Longest section 18" long.

It's a scale race car frame. Kinda like a sprint car construction. Spaceframe.

Okay. Looks like it will be Devcon epoxies.

I don't have the patience to clamp with wood glue.

Any tips on drying time to pick? 5 min? 30 min?

[BigTallDad]

For 18" I'd totally forget balsa, unless you have a structured arrangement...even basswood will sag, after a few years

[regular guy]

Thanks Ray

Well it's stuctured so to speak.

A little short on the triangulation though. Right now just 4 pieces are at an angle and the rest are on the square.

It does not have to last years. Do want it strong to carry over to machine shop and show them though.

Have a good 4th!

Bob

[peteski]

Model airplane builders use mostly CA glue and accelerator for balsa, and like it has been said, the balsa (not the glue) will be the point of failure.  And CA glue is instant - no waiting. :-)