What can I do to give a very smooth finish to what would be the outer wall using PLA. Not that the finish is bad but for this project the top surface needs to be extra smooth beyond the default.
Also, for lack of a better term, what is the best option to “tack weld” one piece of PLA to another. The design of the two parts are such that it was a forgone conclusion that there would be some deviations between the two, once cooled. I need a way to tweak the position of the upper part because of those deviations…
I saw a person use what he called a “kicker” for CA glue, which it caused the CA glue to set almost instantly. An accelerant but I have never used anything like that.
Have you tried ironing? That can produce a glass like finish if done right. Above all, the trick to that is also to slow down the nozzle movements for the top layer.
By “tack weld”, do you mean just a small drop of adhesive as a temporary bond? I’m having a tough time visualizing the application.
But if you’re referring to quick set cyanoacrylate or super glue, there is a class of products that go under the name of “Quik Set” or "Insta Set or the generic term “Curing Accelerators”. These are used to provide instantaneous curing of crazy glue but they are expensive.
This one is the one that Adam Savage(LucasFilms and Mythbusters) swears by. But he says that just a small amount of aerosol in the room will calls all cyanoacrylate glues to cure almost instantly.
I bought a kit of that Bob Smith stuff but wanted some feedback in advance of potentially having to start over.
I watched a video linked to a riser for AMS and was a real brief comment from the guy assembling riser made a fleeting mention along the lines of (I think I’ll use some kicker on this piece" and guessed at brand based on pattern of aerosol can.
Often those videos aren’t reflective of the entire assembly process