TET problems

[Sturm]

As some of you may remember, I made a post about some problems I was having with Tamiya's extra thin cement.
Okay so I had another go at Tamiya Extra Thin again this time using the capillary action. Unfortunately this didn't work either, I decided to check if the Tamiya plastic on my Hetzer was the problem so I tested it on a scrap piece of revell plastic. Same results, the parts would not adhere and would easily snap off. This is proving to be a problem as I'm at the track assembly stage on my Hetzer. Tracks are constantly breaking off, I'm having to use large amounts of cement and it looks awful. I know you guys worship TET but it seems to hate me. Like I said in my previous post, perhaps I got a defective product. I think I'll try Tamiya's normal cement and see how it works out.

[mincemeat]

That's odd. The only reason I can think that the plastic would not bond would be because it's not styrene. Maybe try a new bottle? I've not had a problem on Tamiya, Bandai or just stock sheet styrene plastic with TET. I give it a small gap watch it flow in and then a gently squeeze, working small areas at a time because it does dry quick in open air. The standard cement is considerably thicker and I like it when I need to join to surfaces but need to apply to one side and then attach to the other. TET works best when the two pieces are nearly mated or already touching.

[11BravoC2]

No problems with TET here either, and I've left it open over night a couple of times.

[digger303]

I know this is going to sound stupid or way too obvious, but did you wash the release agent off the parts first.

[Avgas]

TET does dry very quickly, apologies if you know this but just draw a streak across a piece of scrap plastic and see how quickly it evaporates.

[Lysus]

TET does dry very quickly, apologies if you know this but just draw a streak across a piece of scrap plastic and see how quickly it evaporates.

Yes, this. It took me a couple tries wit TET after my return to modeling to realize you can't apply to a piece then place it...it's gone by the time you seat it. Regular cement for that kind of work. I had to place 30+ tiny free standing pieces and it became quickly apparent to me that TET was letting me down for some of them, but for the rest of the kits I've done so far, for joining pieces once they're dry fit, it sucks in and in less than 30 seconds the hold is tight.

[Sturm]

I know this is going to sound stupid or way too obvious, but did you wash the release agent off the parts first.

Nah it's not a stupid question, but yes I did wash the parts in soapy water.

[digger303]

well I'm stumped then, cause I have spilt it, left the top off, used second hand discolored tet, used very old and never really had a problem. Perhaps the missus filled it with water.... ..sorry bad joke. Perhaps throw it out and start with a fresh one.

[Homerlovesbeer]

Are the parts painted? TET does not bond well when the plastic has been painted.

[Sturm]

Are the parts painted? TET does not bond well when the plastic has been painted.

well I'm stumped then, cause I have spilt it, left the top off, used second hand discolored tet, used very old and never really had a problem. Perhaps the missus filled it with water.... ..sorry bad joke. Perhaps throw it out and start with a fresh one.

@Homer. No parts are not painted and if they are I scrap it off with my hobby knife.
@Digger. Lol, I actually am gonna buy a new one and see what happens.
Thanks guys for all the feedback, I appreciate it a lot

[Joe]

I'm not having any issues with TET but I sure have learned a lot reading this post! Thanks guys!