Is there a weak glue that will come apart easily?

[dennis thompson]

I mostly make models of old cars, truck and trains. See picture below.
A problem I always have is to make sure all 4 wheels are in the exact position to make them level with the floor/ground. Is there a way you would recommend that I can temporarily install them and the axles to insure they are all at the same level? Since these are models, not toys, I'm thinking maybe I could simply uses a weak glue that comes apart? If so, what would you recommend?
Thanks

[Timothy Orr]

Hot melt glue gun

[Frederick Skelly]

Would rubber cement work?

[John K Jordan]

I mostly make models of old cars, truck and trains. See picture below.
A problem I always have is to make sure all 4 wheels are in the exact position to make them level with the floor/ground. Is there a way you would recommend that I can temporarily install them and the axles to insure they are all at the same level? Since these are models, not toys, I'm thinking maybe I could simply uses a weak glue that comes apart? If so, what would you recommend?
Thanks

Great looking model! (Do you have pictures of others?)

Do you want to set the wheels in place (with the axles attached? then add the body of the model?

I might consider making an adjustable jig, something like four little shallow vises with leather or something to protect the tires, each with a screw to tighten a jaw to squeeze the wheel and hold it in the right position. If the dimensions vary from one model to another holding each these little jigs in place on a flat base would be easy with a couple of blobs of hot-melt glue and would be easily removed. I have tiny machinist vises to hold small things. Something like this (but smaller) would be easy to make from wood or plastic: https://www.micromark.com/Gentle-Jaws-3-Inch-x-1-1-4-Inch-Set-of-2

JKJ

[dennis thompson]

Great looking model! (Do you have pictures of others?)

Do you want to set the wheels in place (with the axles attached? then add the body of the model?

I might consider making an adjustable jig, something like four little shallow vises with leather or something to protect the tires, each with a screw to tighten a jaw to squeeze the wheel and hold it in the right position. If the dimensions vary from one model to another holding each these little jigs in place on a flat base would be easy with a couple of blobs of hot-melt glue and would be easily removed. I have tiny machinist vises to hold small things. Something like this (but smaller) would be easy to make from wood or plastic: https://www.micromark.com/Gentle-Jaws-3-Inch-x-1-1-4-Inch-Set-of-2

JKJ

John
Here are some more
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[Jim Becker]

Little dabs of hot melt for temporary. Hide glue for "more permanent" that can still be taken apart if required.

[Joe Adams]

Little dabs of hot melt for temporary. Hide glue for "more permanent" that can still be taken apart if required.

What he said!

[John K Jordan]

What he said!

Beeswax will work too. I've used it to temporarily hold things in place. I soften small pieces with heat from my fingers. Not real strong but maybe high strength is not needed.

[Bill Dufour]

You really should make a wood model of the famous tulipwood car since you are making them in wood already.
Bil lD

The link is the real car, not a model

[Bill Dufour]

How about shelac
Bill D

[Clark Hussey]

Hot glue will freeze and crack, if you spray condensed air, upside down.

[John Gornall]

Rice starch paste - just dampen to release or just humidify to soften.

Used by paper conservators or picture framers to repair and mount paper items

Comes as a powder, mixed with water, cooked for a few seconds in microwave.

Available at art supply stores

[Dan Gaylin]

These might be just the ticket. I use them for quick assembly to test fit small parts or even small shelves. Better than hot glue in my experience because they are so thin.

Glue Dots Removable Adhesive Dot Roll, Contains 200 (.5 Inch) Diameter Dots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00161UBTW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_5DNcFbV0KXH9N

[Brice Rogers]

A lot of good ideas have been offered. I sometimes hold things in place temporarily with modeling clay (or Plasticine). It has a hundred uses - - great to have in the shop.

[dennis thompson]

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought a glue gun and am experimenting with it. I think I'll take a look at the glue dots too.

[Jim Matthews]

Similar to double sided carpet tape: with a thinner paper substrate :


https://taytools.com/collections/supplies-tape/products/double-sided-tape?afmc=4z&utm_campaign=4z&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate

[Tom Bender]

How about a design change?

Make the front axle pivot just a little so it will sit on all wheels even on a slightly warped surface.

Nice work.

[Rob Luter]

I use double back tape. It's really no more than a layer of adhesive between two strips of release paper. It's so thin it does a great job of approximating a glue line. It holds pretty solid but a quick twist and the bond breaks free. Cut it to whatever size and shape you want. Seems to me it's 3M brand.

[Curt Harms]

Similar to double sided carpet tape: with a thinner paper substrate :


https://taytools.com/collections/supplies-tape/products/double-sided-tape?afmc=4z&utm_campaign=4z&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate

That looks a lot like what I call "turner's tape" Very strong in shear, not so strong in tension so parts can be separated pretty easily.