Reviews : Flex-I-File Touch-N-Flow Applicator
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Nothing else works like it
By: jimmbbo
The Touch N Flow applicator (TnF) is unique in the field of modeling tools, as it allows the modeler to carry a significant amount of thin liquid cement to long joints in confined spaces, which is especially helpful in ship or large airplane modeling projects.
While simple in construction, using the TnF applicator requires a bit of technique, because if the applicator is tipped so the fine tube end is lower than the glass tube, cement will flow, the steeper the angle, the more cement will flow.
Once cement has been drawn into the tube, the technique required to keep it there is to transport it in a level attitude to the model, moving the applicator to the joint in a level attitude, then tilt it up to allow the cement to flow. Not keeping the tube level will allow plastic cement to drop onto the model's surface, possibly ruining surface detail. It takes a bit of practice, but keeping the cement in the tube and off the model is a skill that is easily learned.
In some instances, the tip may become clogged with plastic from a joint. TnF recommends setting the tip in liquid cement to dissolve the plastic. That usually works, but can take some time, and modelers have discovered that a high E guitar string can be inserted in the metal tube to clear the blockage, minimizing down time. I have two applicators so I can soak one, and have a spare if one breaks (the TnF uses a tempered glass tube that requires some caution and care when using and storing it)
Great, but keep your cement clean!
By: skydog (Arizona)
This applicator is best called a pipette, as it is nothing more than a fine-gauge blunt needle fused to a glass tube. It works very well- hold it horizontally and the cement stays in the glass tube. Tip it down a bit and a small drop will form at the end. Apply it to a seam, THEN tip it slightly down, and you get cement only in the seam with no mess.
It does clog very easily, both with dissolved plastic and with any crud you might have in your liquid cement (usually caused by dipping a not-so-clean brush in the cement). It cuts way down on losing cement to evaporation, because it will stay in the pipette for a long time before it dries. I've had to blow it out with my airbrush a few times when it got clogged.
I see that Flexifile now has a bottle to ease filling of the applicator. I think I can fill it with a syringe, also.
Even though it's a bit fiddly at times, I not only would recommend it to a friend, I already have!
One of My Best Purchases
By: egdsr
I use this for applying liquid cement. It gets into the tightest spaces and the cement flows perfectly. This tool is for the liquid cements and parts already assembled or tacked together with CA. Then you drag the thin needle like tip along the joint and the cement is literally pulled between the parts and they bond instantly. This is a must have tool for plastic model builders. The tip can plug from plastic residue but is easily cleaned by dipping in liquid cement. Buy the filler bottle too because it simplifies filling the thin glass tube. Like another reviewer suggested use care when storing the applicator in its case as the needle is easily bent.
Best thing ever
By: CS
Simply the best tool you could have. It is very easy to use. I recommend the one drop applicator, also by Flex-I-File, to fill this applicator. It does clog sometimes, but dipping it in glue will clear it quickly. I normally drop the applicator in the bottle of glue, then use the one drop applicator to suck some glue out, and then fill the touch-n-flow from the back. I have only used this with extra thin cement, and it flows perfectly. It is the best $6 you can spend in this hobby. If you store this with the plastic tube container it came in, be careful not to bend the needle while closing the cap.
BET ITEM FOR TIGHT SPOTS
By: painter5592
This is one of the best tools I have found for getting in to tight places to apply glue. The long fine needle point will reach just about any where you need to apply liquid glue. I do armor models and it put the glue where I need it. A couple of things to remember: keep the tip level until you are ready to apply glue or it will start to flow before you are ready, also the tube is made of glass and it will break easilyso handle with care or do as I do and buy two so you have a spare
Great applicator
By: sfurhmeister
This applicator is all around great. I use it with the Flex-i-file Plast-i-weld glue and it makes assembly a breeze. This applicator can break if it falls off of a table so I have taped a tooth pick to the tube to prevent it from rolling away. The tooth pick does not come with the applicator.
Wish I had this 40 years ago
By: robertjmodic
When used with Tamiya's Extra Thin Cement, I get bonded joints that are vastly neater and stronger than with tube cement. I can reach inside things like an aircraft fuselage that would be impossible with other methods. No more tube cement for me!
Layout /Building supplies
By: w3158823
A must for gluing with any plastic weld. Caution must be used during application so that any excess fluid is not touched. If untouched it will evaporate, if touch on the plastic it will mar the surface. I learned the hard way and had to buy a new model.
Hard to load
I really like the idea behind this product and I want to like it, however, I have a hard time loading it with solvent. No matter what, it will only fill a little then stop. I do like the very fine tip which allows for precise placement of solvent.
Awsome great asset to my War on Terror diorama. 8'x8' description of activity in Iraq, Afghanistan war zone with US Military Bases and Air Strips.
By: iaiaccept
Awsome great asset to my War on Terror diorama. 8'x8' description of activity in Iraq, Afghanistan war zone with US Military Bases and Air Strips.
Does what its suppose to do.
I got this because I am always glue myself to everything. Sure enough this helps keeps the activator from splashing glue everywhere.
TOUCH-N-FLOW APPLICATOR
I have never used a glue like this before. Now that I have, It is Fantastic